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Authorities have reported the tragic death of a toddler in Missouri, who succumbed to severe malnutrition after being without food for nearly two days.
Alyssa Nicole Wehmeyer, 21, was taken into custody on Monday, facing charges of child abuse or neglect resulting in death. This was confirmed by a warrant filed in the Cape Girardeau Circuit Court. She is currently detained at the Scott County Jail with a bond set at $100,000.
Located approximately 115 miles southeast of St. Louis, Cape Girardeau became the focal point of the investigation following the discovery of the child’s body on February 28.
An autopsy revealed that the child, who was only about a year old, had gone without food for approximately 43 hours. Medical examiners noted a lack of food in the child’s stomach, as cited in the warrant and a related probable cause affidavit.
So far, Wehmeyer has not retained a lawyer and has not been able to provide any statements, as court records indicate no attorney is listed on her behalf.
According to the affidavit, the Cape Girardeau Police discovered the deceased infant during a home visit and subsequently sought assistance from the Missouri State Highway Patrol. During questioning, Wehmeyer claimed that the child last ate on February 26, between 5 and 6 p.m.
Reports state that Wehmeyer changed the child’s diaper on February 27, between 5:30 and 6 p.m., before putting the toddler to bed around 6:30 p.m. At that point, it had already been nearly 24 hours since the child had eaten, according to the affidavit.
The situation worsened when the child awoke at approximately 2 a.m. on February 28, crying. Wehmeyer cradled the child for about 30 to 40 minutes before returning the toddler to the crib, neglecting to check on the child until around 1 p.m. that day, at which point she found the child unresponsive and with blue lips.
A police investigator noted in the affidavit the condition of the child’s skin, particularly severe blisters due to diaper rash. Wehmeyer explained that it had been nearly 19 hours since the last diaper change.
By the time authorities arrived, records indicated the toddler had not been fed for over 36 hours and had been unattended for a significant period. Wehmeyer acknowledged during the investigation that she should have sought medical attention for the child but cited a migraine as the reason for her inaction, mentioning that she had taken Excedrin and laid down while alone with the toddler.
The arrest warrant alleges that the inadequate care led to the child going unfed for around 43 hours. Following her interrogation, Wehmeyer was arrested and subsequently placed in custody.
Wehmeyer has no known criminal history and, if convicted, could face a minimum sentence of 15 years. She is scheduled for her first court appearance on Thursday.
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