Mother Arrested After Starving Disabled Teenage Son in Disturbing Case

A disturbing case out of Indiana has a mother facing serious charges after authorities say she starved her disabled teenage son over several years, ultimately leading to his removal from her care—and possibly his death.

Tanya Boyd has been charged with neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury, a level three felony, according to court records from Grant County Superior Court.

Her son, 17-year-old Ezekiel “Zeke” Sheppard, who had cerebral palsy, first came to the attention of child welfare authorities in 2021. Concerns were raised about malnutrition and his severely stunted growth, according to CBS affiliate WTTV in Indianapolis.

By August 2022, after showing no signs of improvement, Sheppard was removed from Boyd’s home. At the time, he weighed just 88.5 pounds. Once placed in a children’s care facility, his condition began to improve dramatically—he gained 61% of his body weight and even grew two inches in height.

In September 2023, the Department of Child Services contacted the Marion Police Department to assist in their ongoing investigation into Sheppard’s case. Tragically, Zeke died on June 11, 2025. Authorities have not confirmed whether his death is directly linked to the alleged abuse.

Zeke’s obituary paints the portrait of a sweet, loving teen who adored country music and cherished a stuffed alligator that helped support him in bed. “He always had a smile on his face,” the tribute reads. He is survived by both of his parents.

Tanya Boyd is not currently listed as an inmate, though she recently filed a bond form with the Grant County Probation Department. She is due back in court in November for a pretrial conference ahead of her scheduled trial on December 15.

The investigation remains ongoing, according to local authorities.