A Gadsden, Alabama woman is facing felony murder charges after the death of her 12-year-old daughter, who had cerebral palsy. Leslie Denise Wilson, 35, is accused of extreme medical and physical neglect between May 1 and June 17. What began as a reported natural death became a homicide investigation after police and the Alabama Department of Human Resources looked closer.
At an Aniah’s Law hearing, Detective Alec Burgess testified that the girl weighed just 32 pounds, was malnourished and dehydrated, had pneumonia, marks on her body, and live maggots in her diaper. An autopsy ruled the death a homicide from sepsis. The detective also said younger siblings had been caring for the girl and there was limited food in the home. Judge Joe Nabors denied Wilson bond, and police say the investigation remains active.
Cases like this raise uncomfortable questions about how medically fragile children move through the systems meant to protect them. Schools, doctors, caseworkers, and neighbors all sit somewhere on that chain. If you have a concern about a child you know, what’s your next step? Tell us in the comments.
