Woman, whose chiId in her care was Ieft too weak to Iift himseIf or speak, and doctors did not expect the chiId to survive more than a few days after she brought the 12-year-old to the hospitaI following months of torture and starvation, is charged

Nebraska – A Nebraska woman, 47-year-old AngeIa, was arrested at her home and charged with feIony chiId abuse causing serious bodiIy injury, faIse imprisonment, and first‑degree assauIt after a 12‑year‑old chiId in her care was found in an extremely weakened and severeIy maInourished state, Nebraska authorities said. The caregiver was booked into the county department of corrections, where she is being held on a $750,000 bond.

According to law enforcement and court records, the woman brought the child to a local hospital emergency room earlier this month after he became too weak to care for himseIf. A nurse who treated the child became alarmed by his condition and contacted police, reporting suspected neglect. Responding officers from the local police department found the child weighed just forty seven pounds — roughly half of what a typical 12‑year‑old would weigh — and had a core body temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit, far below normal.

Emergency personnel quickly arranged for the child to be airlifted to Children’s Hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with septic shock and pneumonia. Medical staff told investigators they initially doubted the child would survive more than a few days. At the time of reports, he remained in critical but stable condition in the pediatric intensive care unit.

Police and prosecutors say the extent of the child’s injuries and medical condition indicated more than simple neglect. Investigators believe he had been starved and tortured over a period of months. Injuries and additional symptoms uncovered during medical examinations led authorities to conclude that the boy suffered prolonged abuse while under the woman’s care — a period when he was apparently unable to feed himself or communicate normally because of his deteriorated state.

She had been the child’s full legal guardian and conservator since he was six years old, according to court documents cited by local media. As his guardian, she was legally responsible for his health, well‑being, education, and finances. Two other adults were noted as assisting with the child’s care, but police said she remained the primary caregiver.

After the nurse’s report and subsequent police response, law enforcement began a formal investigation. Officers interviewed the woman and others connected to the child’s household. Court filings indicate that Nebraska authorities also collected medical records and statements from hospital staff as part of their determination that criminal charges were warranted. Prosecutors filed charges alleging child abuse causing serious bodily injury, first‑degree assault, and false imprisonment — charges that reflect not only what police describe as physical injury and suffering but also alleged unlawful restraint.

The investigation into the child’s condition included evaluating the timeline of his declining health, examinations of his injuries, and interviews with medical personnel who treated him. Hospital staff reported the child was too weak to lift his head or speak, prompting further scrutiny by police. The allegation that he was tortured and starved for months is based on the severity of his malnutrition and the medical findings related to his shock and infection.

During initial proceedings in the county court, prosecutors noted that the woman is prohibited from contacting anyone younger than 19 years old while the case proceeds. The child was formally removed from her guardianship and placed into state custody last week.

The woman’s next scheduled appearance in court is set for March 4, when a judge will review the case and consider any motions from defense attorneys or further action by prosecutors. Bail for the woman was set at 10 percent of the $750,000 bond amount, meaning she must post $75,000 to be released pending trial if she is granted that option.

In interviews with authorities, the woman has not publicly disclosed detailed information about her actions or provided a comprehensive explanation for the child’s condition; law enforcement reports on her statements have been limited. Prosecutors and police have so far focused their public comments on the facts uncovered by the investigation and the charges filed.