INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – A mother in Indiana has been sentenced to 42 years in prison for neglect that led to the tragic death of her 4-year-old son. Mary Yoder, 28, failed to protect her son, Judah Morgan, from severe abuse inflicted by the child’s father, Alan Morgan. Yoder admitted to witnessing the mistreatment but did not take action to stop it.
On October 11, 2021, a 911 call about an unconscious child not breathing led to the discovery of brutal child abuse. Police found Judah’s lifeless body bearing signs of severe physical maltreatment in a cold, dark basement where he was left stripped, shackled, and starved. His beatings were a cruel punishment for not being potty trained.
An autopsy confirmed that Judah’s cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head. Alan Morgan pleaded guilty to murder and battery charges and was sentenced to 68 years in prison. Judah’s foster mother and second cousin, Jenna Hullett, filed a lawsuit against Indiana’s Department of Child Services, accusing them of negligence for returning Judah to his biological parents despite known risks.
The case of Judah Morgan is a grim reminder of the potential consequences of child abuse and neglect. It highlights the responsibility of parents, communities, and child protection services in ensuring the safety and well-being of every child.