A mother devoid of compassion, whose neglected son tragically passed away in pain, has now received a 32-year prison term after admitting to charges of aggravated manslaughter and aggravated child abuse.
Zakye Smith-Nelson, a 14-year-old boy, died under distressing circumstances after being found unresponsive in his family residence on January 1, 2024, weighing a mere 33 pounds, which is significantly below the expected weight range for a boy his age.
In an attempt to justify his dire state, Zakye’s mother, Talia Nelson, falsely claimed that her son had rare medical conditions such as a bone disorder, bulimia, and lactose intolerance. However, when questioned by authorities, the 45-year-old could not provide any evidence of medical diagnoses for these alleged conditions.
Furthermore, the emaciated teenager displayed signs of physical abuse, with bruises and scars covering his body, indicating he had been struck with a long, flexible object. Due to severe bedsores, Zakye was immobile and incapable of inflicting such injuries on himself.
During a search of their Daytona Beach, Florida home, investigators discovered a bedroom devoid of furniture, filled with soiled clothes emitting a strong odor of urine, while the master bedroom contained unopened laptops intended for homeschooling.
According to police reports, when emergency responders arrived at the scene following a call about an unconscious child, Nelson claimed to have found Zakye collapsed while she was preparing dinner, but failed to seek medical help promptly.
Nelson admitted to giving Zakye protein shakes in an effort to help him gain weight, but acknowledged neglecting to take him for medical treatment, despite his deteriorating health and inability to walk unaided for weeks.
Medical records revealed that Zakye had not received medical attention since he was 10 years old, when he was described as a healthy and well-developed child. An autopsy later confirmed severe malnutrition, leading to bone density loss prior to his death.
State Attorney R. J Larizza condemned Nelson’s actions as “cruel” and “heartless,” expressing deep sorrow for the victim’s suffering and emphasizing the unfathomable neglect and abuse inflicted by the mother. Nelson has been sentenced for her heinous crimes, while the memory of Zakye’s suffering will continue to haunt her.
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