Hayward, Wisconsin — A Wisconsin mother has been sentenced to prison after authorities say she fed a lethal amount of alcohol through the feeding tube of her 4-year-old daughter, a child with severe disabilities who relied entirely on caregivers for survival.
A Sawyer County judge ordered 30-year-old Samantha S. Smith to serve 15 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for her role in the 2021 death of her daughter, Zoey Chafer.
The case shocked investigators after medical testing revealed extremely high levels of alcohol in the child’s body, far exceeding what experts say could be fatal.
Child with severe disabilities depended on feeding tube
According to court records, Zoey Chafer had been diagnosed with severe cerebral palsy shortly after birth.
The condition left the child nonverbal, unable to move, and dependent on a feeding tube for nutrition and hydration.
Because of her medical condition, Zoey required constant care from adults responsible for managing her feeding tube and daily needs.
Prosecutors said the child’s physical limitations meant she was completely dependent on caregivers and unable to protect herself.
Emergency responders found child unresponsive
Authorities say the investigation began on July 28, 2021, when emergency crews responded to a 911 call reporting an unconscious child at an apartment complex in Hayward, Wisconsin.
Medics arrived at the residence and attempted to assess the child’s condition.
Zoey was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after emergency responders arrived.
Initially, the Sawyer County Coroner’s Office collected a blood sample but did not order a full autopsy.
Toxicology report revealed extreme alcohol level
Further analysis conducted by the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene revealed alarming results.
Testing showed Zoey had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.572 g/100mL at the time of her death.
That level is more than seven times the legal intoxication limit for adults in Wisconsin.
Medical experts say blood alcohol levels above 0.40 can cause coma and death due to respiratory failure, particularly in children.
Child’s body later exhumed for autopsy
After toxicology results raised serious concerns, the child’s body was exhumed for a full autopsy by the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office.
The medical examiner ruled Zoey’s death a homicide caused by acute ethanol toxicity, meaning the alcohol levels in her body were fatal.
The report stated that alcohol in a non-ambulatory child strongly suggests intentional administration by another person.
Investigators also found additional evidence of potential abuse.
Medical examiner found signs of physical injuries
During the autopsy, examiners documented multiple injuries consistent with physical abuse.
The report described abrasions, bruises, and healing fractures, which were particularly concerning because Zoey was unable to move independently.
Medical examiners said the injuries indicated possible non-accidental trauma.
Investigators concluded that the alcohol was likely introduced through the child’s feeding tube.
Only two adults had access to feeding tube
Detectives determined that Smith and her boyfriend, Domenic Falkner, were the only adults present in the home during the time when the alcohol was believed to have been administered.
Both were responsible for operating the child’s feeding tube.
Falkner had moved into the home in August 2020 and had been approved as a paid caregiver for Zoey.
During interviews with investigators, both adults allegedly admitted they were the only ones who had access to the feeding tube during the relevant time period.
Plea agreement avoided homicide conviction
Smith reached a plea agreement with prosecutors in November 2025.
Under the agreement, she pleaded guilty to chronic child neglect and no contest to repeated physical abuse of a child causing great bodily harm.
In exchange, prosecutors dismissed a first-degree intentional homicide charge, though the judge was still allowed to consider it during sentencing.
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The court ultimately sentenced Smith to 15 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release.
Boyfriend also convicted in connection with case
Smith’s boyfriend, Domenic Falkner, has also been convicted on similar charges related to the case.
His sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 1.
Authorities say the case remains one of the most disturbing child abuse investigations in the region in recent years.
What steps do you think communities and authorities should take to better protect vulnerable children from abuse? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
