Indiana Woman Sentenced for Reckless Homicide of Foster Son Dakota Stevens

Indiana woman sentenced to six years for the tragic death of her 10-year-old foster son, Dakota Stevens.

An Indiana woman, Jennifer Lee Wilson, 49, has been sentenced to six years in prison for causing the tragic death of her 10-year-old foster son, Dakota Stevens. The incident occurred after Dakota asked a neighbor to call 911, alleging he was being abused. The court found Wilson guilty of reckless homicide in the boy’s death.

During the sentencing, Senior Judge Michael Bergerson imposed the maximum penalty, with one year suspended. This means Wilson will serve the final year of her sentence on probation.

The heartbreaking events unfolded on April 25, 2024, in Valparaiso, Indiana. Deputies from the Porter County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call about an unresponsive child at a residence on Falcon Way. When they arrived, they found Dakota unconscious near the driveway. CPR was being performed, but he was not breathing and had no pulse. Emergency responders transported Dakota to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries two days later.

An autopsy revealed that Dakota’s death was caused by severe brain swelling due to oxygen deprivation. He also suffered from organ damage and internal bleeding in his liver and lungs. The coroner ruled his death a homicide.

According to the police investigation, Wilson claimed Dakota had been acting out that day, refusing to do chores and leaving the house. When Wilson located him talking to a neighbor a few blocks away, she dismissed the neighbor’s concern and brought Dakota home. Video evidence from a Ring doorbell camera captured the disturbing moments that followed.

Footage showed Wilson sitting on Dakota’s midsection, near his head and neck. Initially, Dakota appeared to struggle and flail, but the video later revealed him lying motionless while Wilson remained on top of him for approximately seven minutes. Wilson admitted in a probable cause affidavit that she sat on Dakota to prevent him from leaving and believed he was faking unconsciousness when he stopped moving.

Authorities noted a stark disparity in their sizes. Dakota, at just 4 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 90 pounds, was significantly smaller than Wilson, who weighed 340 pounds.

Wilson began serving her sentence immediately following her conviction. This devastating case highlights the urgent need for greater oversight and protection of children in foster care. Dakota’s tragic death is a somber reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by foster children and the importance of vigilance in preventing abuse.

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