In a disturbing case that has captured national attention, a Minnesota father was sentenced to five years in prison on July 23, 2024, for the starvation death of his seven-year-old daughter, Jewel Sky Fineday. She died on December 25, 2022, on the Red Lake Indian Reservation in north-central Minnesota after suffering severe neglect from her father, Julius Fineday, Sr.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Jewel was “not just thin, but skeletal” due to her father’s neglect. Her death resulted from a combination of malnutrition and a Group A Streptococcal infection, a serious but preventable condition. In addition to being severely malnourished, court documents indicate that Jewel also had severe head lice, which kept her from attending school, and had not seen a doctor in three years, except for COVID-19 vaccinations funded through cash incentives.
During the sentencing in U.S. District Court, Judge Patrick Schiltz emphasized that Jewel’s starvation was not due to a lack of resources but profound neglect. He noted that the family home lacked running water, heat, and indoor plumbing, with walls riddled with open holes and infestations of mice and cockroaches.
Fineday, 42, pleaded guilty to felony child neglect, admitting his failure to provide necessities for his daughter. His defense attorney, Robert Richman, argued for a lesser sentence, citing the overwhelming burden of caring for ten minor children and extreme poverty. “Jewel died as a result of poverty, neglect, and a family overwhelmed by the burden of caring for ten minor children,” Richman stated in court. He added that the home was “no longer fit for human habitation.”
Jewel’s grandmother, Sharon Marie Rosebear, 63, was also convicted on similar charges in April 2024. Her sentencing has not yet been scheduled. This case has highlighted the critical need for timely intervention by child welfare services.
Jewel, known by her native name Miikawaddizimikinaakikezens, meaning “Beautiful Turtle Girl,” was remembered fondly in her obituary. She enjoyed playing hide and seek, dancing, and watching TikTok videos on her father’s phone. “Jewel was always concerned about her dad, always making sure he was happy,” her obituary read.
Judge Schiltz expressed hope that this case would serve as a warning to other parents. “Neglecting or abusing a child will result in negative consequences not only for the child but also for the responsible adult,” he declared. He urged parents to seek help if they are struggling to care for their children to prevent similar outcomes.
Following his prison term, Fineday will face two years of supervised release for child neglect. This case is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by children in neglectful environments. According to national estimates, 1,750 children died as a result of child abuse and neglect in 2020, with the majority being under three years old. These statistics highlight the urgent need for community-level support and proactive intervention by child protection agencies.
