Wisconsin Mother Charged After 12-Year-Old Son With Muscular Dystrophy Starved to Death, Investigators Say
FOND DU LAC COUNTY, WISCONSIN — A Wisconsin woman is facing serious criminal charges after authorities say she allowed her 12-year-old son, who suffered from a severe muscular disease, to slowly starve to death over the course of more than a year.
Child Neglect Case Leads to Homicide Determination
Prosecutors have charged Tina Marie Beauprey, 51, with child neglect resulting in death, according to court records. Investigators say Beauprey failed to provide basic care, food, and medical attention to her son, who depended entirely on adults due to Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
An autopsy later ruled the boy’s cause of death as starvation, with the manner of death classified as homicide. The medical examiner concluded the child would still be alive had he been properly fed and treated.
Severe Weight Loss Documented Before Death
According to a probable cause affidavit read in court, the boy weighed approximately 80 pounds in November 2024 but had dropped to just 56 pounds by the time of his death on December 5. Medical findings indicated that 15% of his total weight loss occurred in the final five weeks of his life.
Prosecutors said the child’s condition deteriorated rapidly in the days leading up to his death, yet Beauprey never sought emergency medical care despite clear signs of physical decline.
Limited Food and Ignored Medical Guidance
Investigators allege that in the weeks before his death, the boy consumed only small bites of frozen chicken nuggets and pizza. Authorities say Beauprey had access to Department of Human Services food gift cards but failed to use them to provide adequate nutrition.
Police also said Beauprey ignored requests from hospital staff who wanted to monitor the boy’s weight and never opened his prescribed medications. She reportedly told investigators that her son became ill around Thanksgiving and that she believed he was going to die soon.
Disturbing Statements Cited by Investigators
According to the criminal complaint, Beauprey made alarming remarks during questioning, including allegedly saying:
“It’s pretty sad that it takes your kid dying … just to get them outta your hair.”
Prosecutors cited the statement as evidence that Beauprey had effectively abandoned her caregiving responsibilities well before her son’s death.
Defense Argues Illness Was Terminal
Beauprey’s defense attorney argued that the family had been told the child’s condition was terminal and that significant weight loss was expected. The defense stated that doctors had warned the boy would eventually need a feeding tube and that his decline was consistent with his diagnosis.
Prosecutors countered that terminal illness does not justify withholding food, medication, or medical care, especially when a child is fully dependent on caregivers for survival.
Case Remains Ongoing
Beauprey remains charged as the case moves through Wisconsin courts. A future court date is expected as prosecutors continue to present medical evidence and testimony regarding the prolonged neglect and suffering leading up to the child’s death.
Cases involving vulnerable children and caregiver responsibility continue to raise serious concerns nationwide. Readers can follow further developments and share their thoughts on this case at CabarrusWeekly.com.
