by By Gilberto K. Garcia, May 8, 2025
A mother from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, is facing serious charges after her 16-year-old son was found to weigh only 26 pounds. Elizabet Estrada has been charged with multiple counts, including endangering the welfare of children and aggravated assault.
The teenager, who weighed just 22 pounds at age 3, has reportedly had no medical care in the years between, including no doctor visits. According to court documents, the family lived isolated from the outside world. Estrada home-schooled her four children, and they had limited contact with others.
Investigating the Case
When Estrada brought her son to the doctor, his condition raised immediate concern. Penn State Health alerted authorities, and Franklin County Children and Youth Services got involved, leading to police investigation.
Detective Sergeant Jon Greenawalt noted that the teen was emaciated and severely malnourished. Doctors later diagnosed him with psychosocial dwarfism, a condition caused by extreme neglect and deprivation. His height, only three and a half feet tall, was also a result of malnutrition.
Developmental Delays and Other Findings
Medical professionals also discovered that the teenager was developmentally delayed and had limited verbal abilities. Court documents reveal that the teen could not hold down food, leading to his hospitalization from October to December. Currently, he is in foster care.
Other Children in the Household
Greenawalt shared that Estrada’s other children appeared to be healthy. One of them is also now in foster care, while two of the children are legal adults.
Estrada has insisted that she tried to care for her son at home, but authorities believe her actions were negligent. She has not been able to post bail and remains in custody at Franklin County Prison. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Tuesday.
What to Do if You Suspect Abuse or Neglect
Authorities encourage anyone who suspects child abuse or neglect to contact their local police department.
