Woman, who claimed her mother’s ex-husband dangled her 1-year-old daughter off the porch and dropped the girl onto the lawn, is now charged for abusing her 8- and 10-year-old brothers
Wisconsin – In a troubling turn of events in Wisconsin, a 25-year-old woman, identified as S. Walters, who once accused her mother’s 32-year-old ex-husband, identified as J. Eiland, of throwing her infant daughter from a second-story balcony, is now facing child abuse charges of her own. Walters, who told police that her mother’s ex-husband had dangled and dropped her 1-year-old daughter off a porch during a family argument, has been charged with physically abusing her two younger brothers, ages 8 and 10.
The original case captured public attention in March when Walters claimed that Eiland had intentionally thrown her toddler from a balcony during a heated altercation. According to Walters, Eiland had dangled the child before releasing her, causing the girl to fall approximately 15 feet onto the lawn. Eiland was initially charged with substantial battery with a domestic abuse modifier and child abuse. However, the case began to unravel after multiple family members, including those present during the incident, disputed Walters’ version of events.
In August, Assistant DA T. Hasle announced the dismissal of the child abuse charge against Eiland, citing “evidentiary limitations” and growing concerns about Walters’ credibility. Prosecutors acknowledged that while Walters maintained that Eiland had deliberately thrown the baby, eyewitness accounts contradicted her claim. Some described a battle over the child rather than a violent act of malice. Medical staff at the hospital evaluated the baby following the fall and found abrasions on her forehead and cheek, petechiae in one ear, and a bruise on her shoulder, but no skeletal or cranial fractures.
Ultimately, Eiland pleaded guilty to reduced charges—two counts of misdemeanor battery and one count of disorderly conduct—and was sentenced to 18 months’ probation with credit for the 159 days he had already served in jail. Eiland’s attorney criticized the investigation, arguing that the case was flawed from the beginning. He alleged bias on the part of investigators and a failure to conduct a thorough inquiry. Eiland’s family echoed that sentiment, insisting he had been wrongfully accused and voicing frustration over the impact the case had on his reputation.
Just weeks after the charges against Eiland were dropped, Walters found herself on the other side of the law. In April—less than a month after the altercation involving Eiland—Walters allegedly struck her two younger brothers with a belt after one of them cracked an egg over his head, reportedly inspired by a YouTube video that suggested it would promote hair growth. According to a criminal complaint, both boys had visible whip marks. The 10-year-old suffered bruises on his arms and lower back. The 8-year-old, who said he had not cracked the egg, had marks on his buttocks and expressed confusion about why he had been punished.
During her police interview, Walters reportedly admitted to hitting both children, claiming, “I came in and whooped his butt,” and dismissively added, “It ain’t like I picked up a broomstick or something.” She told officers she uses a belt for discipline and justified her actions by saying the children were “talking crazy.” Walters was charged with two counts of child abuse to intentionally cause harm. She was released on a signature bond and is scheduled to appear in court for a pretrial hearing on December 5.
The revelation that Walters now faces child abuse charges herself has significantly undercut the claims she previously made against Eiland. Prosecutors have acknowledged that doubts about her credibility influenced their decision to reduce and dismiss charges in the original case. As Walters prepares for her own trial, the community is left grappling with a complex case marked by conflicting accounts, broken trust, and a growing list of young victims caught in the chaos.
