Tragic case of reckless homicide shocks the community
Jennifer Lee Wilson, a 48-year-old foster mother from Indiana, has been sentenced to six years in prison for the death of her 10-year-old foster son, Dakota Levi Stevens. The boy died last April after Wilson, who weighs over 154 kg (340 lbs), sat on him for five minutes, reportedly as a means of disciplining him.
Wilson was given a maximum term of six years in a state prison by Senior Judge Michael Bergerson. The Times of Northwest Indiana reports that Wilson can serve the last year of her sentence on probation because the final year of her sentence has been suspended.
“Reckless homicide” plea
Wilson pleaded guilty to reckless homicide in October, admitting to her actions. According to court documents, she told police that Stevens was “acting up” when the incident occurred.
She claimed the child threw himself to the ground in her home in Valparaiso, Indiana. In an attempt to subdue him, she “laid on his midsection and called his caseworker.” Wilson said she remained on him for about five minutes, during which he stopped moving.
“Wilson stated that when she attempted to stop him from leaving, she does not know if she tackled Dakota or they fell to the ground; however, her intention was to hold him,” the court filing noted.
Fatal consequences
When authorities arrived at Wilson’s home, Stevens was unresponsive, had no pulse, and showed visible bruising on his lower neck and chest. He was transported to a hospital in South Bend, where he was declared dead two days later.
An autopsy revealed that Stevens, who was 4 feet 10 inches tall and weighed just 40 kg (88 lbs), died of mechanical asphyxia. The disparity in size between the foster mother—4 feet 11 inches tall and weighing 154 kg—made the tragic outcome inevitable, according to medical experts.
Troubling details emerge
Neighbors provided additional disturbing context to the case. One neighbor reported that just 30 minutes before the incident, Stevens had run to her house, pleading for her to adopt him. Court documents also allege that Stevens was struck in the face and prevented by his foster parents from contacting his caseworker.
A grim reminder
This case has raised serious questions about the foster care system and the safeguards in place to protect vulnerable children. Advocates are calling for stricter oversight and better training for foster parents to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The tragic loss of Dakota Levi Stevens serves as a harrowing reminder of the responsibility entrusted to foster parents and the devastating consequences when that trust is broken.
