Disabled teen starved, mom charged

INDIANAPOLIS - A mom was charged after her son was allegedly found to be suffering from severe malnutrition.




Tanya Boyd was charged with Neglect of a Dependent Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, a Level 3 Felony.

The Indiana Department of Child Services contacted the Marion Police Department on September 1, 2023, on a report of a malnourished child.




The victim, Ezekiel Sheppard, had an open case with DCS since 2021 due to a lack of physical development and concerns of malnutrition. The then-teen boy suffered from cerebral palsy.




During the investigation, he was scheduled for surgery at an area hospital, but the surgery could not be performed due to being severely underweight-despite being routinely provided sustenance.




In August 2022, Sheppard was suffering from severe chronic and acute malnutrition. He was sent to live in a facility and his weight increased by 61%, which was only 88.5 pounds, according to court documents. Further, he grew two inches in height as a teen at the facility.




Sheppard passed away on Wednesday, June 11, at 20 years old. His official obituary can be viewed here.




This is an active investigation. Information will be updated as it becomes available.





via: https://fox59.com/news/indycrime/disabled-teen-starved-mom-charged/