A tragic case of child neglect has shocked the community of Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Alyssa N. Wehmeyer, 21 years old, was arrested on Monday, March 3, 2025, after her one-year-old son died from severe malnutrition and dehydration.
The investigation, conducted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, revealed that the child had gone approximately 43 hours without food before his death.
The mother, who is now facing formal charges of child abuse or neglect resulting in death, claimed that she suffered a migraine that prevented her from attending to her child.
Discovery and autopsy
The case came to light when the Cape Girardeau Police Department requested support from the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drugs and Crimes to investigate the suspicious death of the minor.
The autopsy results confirmed that the likely cause of death was dehydration. According to the forensic report, the child’s stomach contained a minimal amount of food, suggesting a prolonged period without food intake.
Abandonment conditions
In addition to the lack of feeding, authorities discovered other alarming signs of neglect. Records indicate that the child went nearly 19 hours without having his diaper changed, which caused severe blisters and skin irritation. It was also determined that the child had been left alone in his crib without supervision during that same period.
Legal consequences
Wehmeyer was arrested on Monday and taken to the Scott County jail. The prosecution has filed charges against her and, if found guilty, she could face a significant penalty.
This case has sparked outrage and debate about the importance of child protection and the role of institutions in preventing tragedies like this one. Authorities urge the community to report any signs of neglect to prevent future cases of child abuse.