MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – A Theodore mother is facing felony murder and aggravated child abuse charges after prosecutors say she left her two children with severe autism home alone overnight, resulting in the death of her 14-year-old son, prosecutors say.
According to the district attorney’s office, Amanda Marie Morgan left her 14-year-old son and 16-year-old daughter — both with autism — alone in the home. While Morgan was gone, her son was strangled by his blanket and died. Her 16-year-old daughter was transported to a hospital for malnutrition when officers arrived.
Conditions inside the home
Investigators say there was feces on the walls and throughout the home. The residence had no running water, no working air conditioning, and was infested with bugs.
Bond and court conditions
A judge granted Morgan a $400,000 cash component bond on the felony murder charge and a $40,000 cash component bond on the aggravated child abuse charge. Morgan is ordered to have no contact with her 16-year-old daughter.
If Morgan makes bail, she will be placed on house arrest and required to wear an electronic monitor. She is scheduled to return to court March 24 for her arraignment.
Months-long investigation preceded charges
Morgan was booked Monday morning following a months-long investigation by the Mobile Police Department.
Mobile police opened the investigation Oct. 8, 2025, after officers responded to a mobile home park on Sperry Road in Theodore. Investigators found a boy dead on scene and signs of neglect present, according to MPD. Police said the boy is Morgan’s child.
An MPD spokesperson said once the department’s portion of the investigation was complete, the case was forwarded to the Mobile County District Attorney’s Office for review.
DA’s office waited on autopsy, toxicology results
The district attorney’s office said investigators waited for an autopsy and toxicology report to be completed before filing charges. The DA’s office said there was enough evidence to charge Morgan once those results were returned.
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