La Porte, Indiana – A mother from Indiana will serve a 42-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to neglecting her 4-year-old son, resulting in his tragic death. Mary Yoder, 27, of La Porte, received her sentence on Friday from Judge Thomas Alevizos, after admitting to neglect of a dependent resulting in death, a Level 1 felony, and neglect of a dependent, a Level 5 felony.
Her husband, Alan Morgan, previously received a 70-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to murder and battery. According to the Times of Northwest Indiana, La Porte County Prosecutor Sean Fagan announced that Yoder’s sentencing “brings to a close this horrible tragedy.”
The details of this tragic case reveal the misery in which the young boy, Judah, lived. He was kept in a dark, dank basement, reportedly with no working lights, and was subjected to physical abuse. The child’s injuries were so severe that a doctor described the blunt force trauma as one of the worst he had seen in his entire 28-year career.
Furthermore, their home was described as unkempt, with garbage, animal feces, and rotting food strewn about. The fridge was even kept locked to prevent access to the food inside. Morgan fled from the police after they were called to the home in 2021 and was involved in a high-speed pursuit before being apprehended.
The devastating case has also brought attention to the Indiana Department of Child Services, as a family member filed a lawsuit alleging that DCS put Judah in harm’s way after returning him to Yoder and Morgan’s home. Judah had previously been removed from Morgan’s home at four months old due to allegations of abuse.
Judah’s tragic death serves as a chilling reminder of the need for strong protections for vulnerable children. It also highlights the responsibility of child services agencies to ensure the safety of children in their care.
In conclusion, the case involving Mary Yoder and Alan Morgan has brought to light the profound and tragic consequences of child neglect and abuse. It highlights the need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable children and ensuring that those responsible for their care are held accountable for their well-being. Determining the best interests of the child should always be prioritized to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.