Justice for Eliana

The full story

To whom it may concern,

My name is Gregory Schafer, and I am the father of Eliana Schafer, Skylar Schafer, Alexander Schafer, and Willow Schafer. On July 4th, at approximately 10 am, I was informed that I would not be allowed to see my daughter, Eliana, as per parenting time agreement, between the mother, and I. According to mom, at the time, Eliana had been burned the night before and was released from OSF St Francis Hospital, with a follow up appointment at St Mary's burn unit, in Milwaukee WI in 36 hours. I immediately contacted my brother (Donald) and Sister in law (Loreal), who contacted the Hannahville Police Department, to conduct a welfare check. About an hour later, we got the call from Officer Anthony, who conducted the check, who said that both said that they were in the bathroom, and left Elly alone in the tub, to get clothes, when she got burned. Officer Smith informed us that we needed to contact Menominee County Sheriff's Department as this is their jurisdiction. Mr Smith told us that the burns were really bad and that he would call CPS. We contacted Menominee County PD and they started the investigation. About 1 day later, an officer from that Sheriff's department contacted me, to let me know that there was an accident with the water heater and that I have nothing to worry about. I told this officer that Hannahville PD had a different story and that I was willing to get that police report for them, because I felt that mom and bf were lying. This officer told me that I didn't need to get that report and I insisted again. This officer then told me that it would be difficult to get this report, because Hannahville PD was on tribal land and that he would get it and make the report, for the district attorney. This officer told me that he understands that I want to point fingers to blame somebody for this incident and that it was indeed an accident and that I needed to communicate with mom better. I did not trust this Officer, because I knew that mom is related to the Undersheriff. He lives down the street from moms grandparents in Wilson MI, with a population of only a few hundred people. she used to ride in his squad car as a little girl, and I have even taken the kids trick or treating at his house, in the past. After this call with Menominee County PD, I received a call from St Mary's burn unit, that Elly was being transferred by ambulance to Children's Hospital of Milwaukee, WI. St Mary's informed me that Eliana's burns were too severe for them to treat and that she had a very bad infection and needed surgery. I contacted mom, to let her know that I was on my way to Milwaukee and she was very frustrated with this. She tried to keep me from coming, by telling security that I was dangerous. She told me that I need to stop pointing fingers at her and bf, and that I was pursuing petty stuff. I made it to the hospital with my Mother (Pamela Schafer) and we have been by Eliana's side the whole time. Elly has had 10 surgeries, including skin grafts and a feeding tube. During this time, I was in contact with Menominee County CPS. she assured me that the incident would be investigated properly and that the children will be safe. We had a team meeting, on 07/15/21, with CPS, DHS, and Menominee County PD Investigator. During this meeting, it was mentioned that mom and bf hadn't been interviewed by CPS or the detective, because they had held off, as advised by their attorneys. We also discussed me keeping the children, out of safety concerns, because the investigation was not complete. The next day, there was a preliminary hearing, and bf was arrested on Charges of Felony Abuse. bf s currently awaiting trial, on 08/7 - 08/9, in the Menominee County Jail. I also received petition, stating that mom had heard that elly had gotten burned in the tub, at about 8 pm; mom had gotten home from work about 10 pm; mom and bf had decided to go to the fireworks festival; mom had checked Eliana's diaper at 12 am; mom had taken Eliana to OSF St Francis Hospital at 12:35 am. This story was inconsistent with the original story told to the Hannahville PD. The Doctors did not believe this story either, and as stated in her report, the Guardians showed an extreme lack of concern for the child's well being and by not responding quickly, taking Elly into the hospital they exacerbated the injuries, and caused undue suffering; they chose fireworks over the Elian's safety. On 07/22 mom was interviewed by CPS and detectives; according to CPS, it was confirmed that mom was at work, during the incident, that abuse and neglect were substantiated, and that the children would not be removed from her home. This wasn't the first time that neglect or abuse had been substantiated either. 1 year ago, I had called CPS, because my daughter, Willow Schafer, had a cut on her chin; when I questioned Willow about this cut, she stated that bf had kicked her in the back and that she had fallen and hit her toys. CPS confirmed that this had indeed happened, and that Willow had stated that bf has kicked mom, aswell. This investigation was discontinued after a few weeks. Alexander had also informed me that he had been thrown outside in the middle of Winter, in his pajamas. CPS dropped this investigation, but bf's Son had confirmed that this had happened to Willow, during this most recent interview. I had contacted CPS to look into this, but nothing has been done. Skylar has told me that somebody has worn a mask, with a picture of my face stapled to it, and screamed at Eliana, to scare her, aswell. Two months ago, Skylar broke his arm, 1 year ago Willow broke her arm, and 2 years ago Alexander had a piece of glass embedded in his ear; these were never fully investigated. I feel that there is corruption within the Menominee County Police Department and CPS. Why are the children allowed to be in the mother's home, during an ongoing criminal investigation, whereas neglect and abuse has been substantiated. Why did the Menominee County Sheriff's Department call me to let the incident go, and that it was just an accident. Why is this department conducting the investigation, if they are related to the suspect in question. Why was the Hannahville PD police report omitted from the final report? Why was mom the only person questioned, during the investigation, as bf was not mentioned, during the petition? Why is mom not being charged with neglect for not taking Eliana into the hospital, instead of going to fireworks first. Why did mom say that the incident happened at 10 pm, on 7/03, to St Francis. Why did OSF,not contact CPS immediately? Why did mom constantly remove my name and phone number, from OSF Emergency Contact information and medical records. Why was bf interviewed with mom? Why did mom say that bf called her, but later say that bf told her about the incident, in person? Why did the grandparents pay for an attorney for bf and mom?

Please help us

I need help to get an attorney, in order to fight for custody, of my children, but they cost $7000-$12000, and it is nearly impossible to come up with this amount,  alone. 

#justiceforeliana