36-pound 11-year-old allegedly forced to exercise as punishment, ate toothpaste out of hunger

MILTON, Fla. (TCN) -- A couple has been arrested and charged with felony child neglect in connection with the hospitalization of their 11-year-old son.

WEAR reports a child, whose name has not been released by authorities, was admitted to the hospital on Dec. 7, 2025, for severe malnourishment. He weighed 36 pounds at the time. A criminal investigation began due to his condition.

According to an arrest report obtained by WEAR, authorities determined the child’s parents, 40-year-old Brandon Palmore and 38-year-old Shantell Palmore, were allegedly not providing him with adequate nutrition and medically neglecting him.

The arrest report alleges the Palmores said the child had many food allergies, but he only showed a mild nut allergy when tested. Other tests indicated he had kidney issues, a vitamin D deficiency, anemia, and transaminitis from malnutrition.

His parents claimed he had oppositional defiance disorder and was a pathological liar, but hospital staff did not observe any behavioral issues on the child’s part. In addition, the Palmores claimed the child had an unhealthy obsession with food 

Authorities interviewed the child as part of the investigation, according to WEAR. He told interviewers he was not allowed to go downstairs unless explicitly given permission and was forced to exercise until his arms and legs hurt. He said he was sad because he did not receive gifts for his birthday or Christmas.

One of the child’s sisters told interviewers the boy was not allowed to sit, and that he had no bedding on his bed or toys in his room, according to the arrest reports. His parents allegedly locked the pantry so he could not get to the food, and when allowed to eat, the child was given expired bread, rice, and beans. A sibling alleged that at one point, the child ate a tube of toothpaste because he was so hungry. 

The investigation found the child was removed from school to be homeschooled because of alleged behavioral issues. During the investigation, WEAR reports school staff recalled the child pulling chicken out of the trash to eat and stealing snacks from children’s backpacks.

Sheriff Bob Johnson said, “It’s pretty troubling because you have an 11-year-old that weighs 36 pounds that has a 6-year-old sister that weighs more than he does.”

According to WEAR, the child received treatment at the hospital for about a month and gained about 20 pounds.

The Palmores were arrested and charged on March 5. Both have since been released on $10,000 bond, WEAR reports. They are due back in court on April 2 for their arraignment. In the meantime, their contact with the child will be managed by the Department of Children and Families.

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