In what authorities are calling one of the worst child abuse cases in Minnesota’s history, a young couple is now behind bars for allegedly torturing their young daughter. Jaymeson Patrick Wahlstrom, 27, and his wife, Vivian Rose Wahlstrom, 24, are facing serious charges of child torture and are currently being held in the Itasca County Jail without bond.
The details of this case are shocking and heartbreaking. Investigators say much of the abuse was caught on video, recorded by a camera inside the girl’s bedroom. Even Jaymeson reportedly told authorities they’d be “surprised” by what the footage revealed. According to a 17-page arrest affidavit, the videos captured brutal beatings and other horrific acts.
The investigation began in early October after the girl went to school with a large bruise on her upper arm, described as black and yellow. Concerned, school staff contacted authorities. When officers spoke to the girl, she told them her father had caused the bruise. Investigators later questioned Jaymeson, who claimed his daughter had “significant needs” and that he and his wife were trying to get her into therapy, but waiting lists were long.
Doctors found at least 20 bruises scattered across the girl’s body, including her arms, ribs, face, back, and thighs. When authorities visited the family’s home in Grand Rapids, they were appalled by the conditions. The girl’s bedroom had nothing but a dirty, urine-stained mattress on the floor, a single blanket, a pile of moldy dishes, and a TV. Other parts of the home were no better, with garbage, dirty clothes, urine, and dog feces everywhere.
Jaymeson, who was arrested on October 5, admitted that the girl was his daughter from a previous relationship. He revealed that his wife, Vivian, didn’t want to care for her and had even suggested sending the girl to boarding school or getting a divorce. He also admitted to punishing his daughter by taking away food. According to the affidavit, the girl would eat paint chips and play with an empty Happy Meal box because she had no other toys.
The video footage painted an even darker picture. It showed the girl being left alone in her room for long stretches of time. Her parents would often yell at her to “lie right,” meaning she had to lie on her back with her hands at her sides. If she moved, they’d scream at her. She was frequently told to “go to bed” regardless of the time and was only allowed to leave her room to use the bathroom. Her mother, Vivian, was heard on one video shouting, “Get in your room before I kill you.”
The abuse reached a terrifying peak just days before Jaymeson’s arrest. According to his own account, he “lost it” when he thought his daughter had disrespected his wife. The videos show him hitting the girl nearly 100 times in a single day, punching, slapping, kicking, and even slamming her against a wall. He reportedly ripped her clothes off during the ordeal while Vivian stood by, encouraging him. In one recording, Jaymeson can be heard screaming, “You better think of some meaningful words for your mom, or she won’t take care of you anymore.”
Prosecutors officially charged the Wahlstroms with child torture on December 19. The couple’s three children have been removed from the home and placed in protective custody.
Jake Fauchald, the Itasca County Attorney, released a statement calling the crimes “barbaric” and saying they rank among the worst child abuse cases ever seen in the area. He assured the public that his office is taking the case very seriously and will seek justice for the young victim.
The Wahlstroms are set to appear in court on Thursday. As of now, no attorney has been listed for either of them.
