In a tragic event in Indiana, a 49-year-old mother named J. Wilson has admitted to her role in the death of her 10-year-old adopted son, D. Stevens, following a violent episode involving physical restraint. Wilson pleaded guilty to reckless homicide following the terrible event involving toddler Stevens, who died after she sat on him for about ten minutes.
Deputies from the sheriff’s office received notification of a dangerous scenario at a home on the afternoon of April 25, which led to the terrifying events. The responding police found the small child motionless beside his home’s driveway, while a neighbor was desperately performing CPR on him. Despite these efforts, Stevens was not breathing, had no pulse, and had significant bruises on his lower neck and chest.
After Stevens arrived at the hospital, his injuries claimed his life two days later. The postmortem report showed a tragic conclusion: Stevens died of substantial swelling in the brain, which is consistent with prolonged oxygen deprivation, aggravated by internal organ damage. We determined the method of death to be homicide. Sources claim that Stevens faced tension and disobedience on the day of the incident, refusing to perform chores and attempting to escape the house. Wilson informed officials that she intervened to save Stevens after he reported the abuse to a neighbor and urged them to call the police.
The situation worsened when they returned home. Wilson claimed she may have tackled Stevens, or they both went to the ground as she sought to keep him from fleeing again. However, security footage from a nearby residence reveals a terrible scenario, with Wilson sitting on Stevens’ abdomen, near his head and neck, for more than seven minutes. Stevens attempted to free himself at first before abruptly stopping. Wilson also told officials that she got off the boy because she was out of breath from her weight and observed that her son wasn’t moving. She initially assumed Stevens was “faking,” but when she spotted his pale complexion, she contacted 911. According to sources, Wilson stood 4’10” tall and weighed 340 pounds.
Authorities issued Wilson’s arrest warrant after charging her with reckless homicide. Authorities relentlessly searched for Wilson, ultimately apprehending her in another state. Wilson pleaded guilty to reckless homicide, which carries a maximum term of six years in jail and a $10,000 fine.
The tragedy has sparked widespread outrage in the community and beyond, with many questioning the management of foster care agencies and the safeguards in place to protect vulnerable children like Stevens. The court has scheduled Wilson’s sentence for January 17, 2025. The episode serves as a sobering reminder of the crucial need for effective interventions and supports in foster care and child welfare systems to avoid similar tragedies in the future.