Mother, who was aware her 4-year-old son would die and still did nothing when her boyfriend told her he put the baby to sleep with the face against the bed, avoids lengthy sentence

Nebraska – In a shocking case from Nebraska, a 28-year-old mother, identified as A. Zitel, has been sentenced to probation following the suffocation death of her 4-month-old son, identified as Andrew, an incident that raises serious concerns about childcare and parental responsibility.

On August 15, 2024, a distressing event unfolded while Zitel, was at work, and her 27-year-old boyfriend, identified as A. Meyn, was left to care for her two children. According to court documents, Meyn became frustrated with the baby’s crying and decided to swaddle the infant in blankets, placing him face-down on the bed. This dangerous position was allegedly intended to make the baby “pass out” due to reduced oxygen levels—a critical detail that Zitel was aware of and did not question, as noted in her communications with Meyn. The investigation even showed that the mother texted her boyfriend he did not have to put the baby on his back

Later that day, Meyn realized the baby was unresponsive and called Zitel, who rushed home and attempted CPR on her son. Unfortunately, her efforts were unsuccessful, and paramedics were called to the scene. The baby was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The subsequent autopsy revealed disturbing findings. The baby had marks on his face and head, hemorrhaging in multiple areas on his head, and broken ribs. These injuries were consistent with shaken baby syndrome, pointing to a violent handling that went far beyond mere negligence.

In response to these tragic circumstances, Chief Deputy Attorney A. Hogan highlighted the severity of the case. She emphasized Zitel’s pattern of placing the appeasement of violent male figures over the safety of her children, a behavior that tragically culminated in the death of her infant son. The victim impact statement from the children’s natural father further underscored the profound impact of Zitel’s actions on her family.

Zitel pleaded guilty to charges stemming from her inadequate intervention and the resultant harm to her child. She was sentenced to six years of probation and ordered to serve 120 days in jail, spread over several years from 2027 to 2030. This sentence, however, is contingent on further judicial review, which could potentially waive her jail time. Additionally, her sentence was influenced by her involvement in a separate se-ual assault case, reflecting a troubled legal history. Meyn, on the other hand, faces charges of child abuse resulting in death. He has pleaded not guilty and remains in custody, with his trial set to continue with a court appearance scheduled for May 6.

This case has stirred considerable debate within the community and beyond, concerning the responsibilities of parents and guardians in protecting their children. The leniency of Zitel’s sentence, particularly in light of the fatal outcome for her child, has sparked discussions about the balance between punishment and rehabilitation, especially in cases involving claims of domestic manipulation. The tragedy has also prompted calls for increased awareness and education on safe childcare practices, especially for parents in high-stress environments or those involved in complex domestic situations. As the community grapples with this painful incident, there is a collective mourning for a life lost too soon and a strong desire for justice and preventative measures to ensure such a tragedy does not recur.