A mother is accused of starving her disabled teenage son in a troubling case from central Indiana.
Tanya Boyd was charged with neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury, a level three felony, according to Grant County Superior Court records.
The Indiana Department of Child Services opened a case in 2021 against 17-year-old Ezekiel “Zeke” Sheppard due to concerns about malnutrition and stunted physical development, according to Indianapolis-based CBS affiliate WTTV.
Sheppard, who had cerebral palsy and was about 17 years old at the time, was removed from Boyd’s care in August 2022 because he was still suffering from “severe chronic and acute malnutrition.”
He weighed only 88.5 pounds, according to court documents reviewed by the outlet. Sheppard improved after being sent to a children’s facility. His weight increased by 61%, and he gained two inches.
In September 2023, the Indiana Department of Child Services reportedly contacted the Marion Police Department regarding Sheppard’s case. He died on June 11, 2025, and it was unclear whether his death was due to the alleged neglect.
“Throughout his struggles, Zeke enjoyed having people talk to him. He loved country music. “And he was always smiling,” according to his obituary. “His constant companion was a stuffed alligator toy, which helped to position and support him in bed.”
According to the obituary, Sheppard is survived by his mother and father.
Boyd is scheduled to go on trial on December 15, with a pretrial conference scheduled about a month earlier. She submitted a bond form to the Grant County Probation Department earlier this week, according to court records.
Boyd is not currently listed as an inmate in Grant County Jail records. She will next appear in court in November for a pre-trial conference.
Law enforcement officials say the case is still under investigation.
