Mom Sentenced to 20 Years for Death, Abuse of Disabled 13-Year-Old Son

Cheyenne Dawn Maddox convicted of reckless homicide and aggravated child abuse in 2022 death of son Kadaris Maddox.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Cheyenne Dawn Maddox was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Tuesday for the 2022 death of her 13-year-old disabled son, Kadaris Maddox. Maddox was found guilty in October 2025 of reckless homicide and aggravated child abuse. The autopsy report stated that Kadaris died as a result of malnutrition, as he was severely emaciated at the time of his death.

Why it matters

This case has raised questions about the Tennessee Department of Children's Services (DCS) and how child abuse reports are handled, as an anonymous source previously stated that some aspects of the tragedy may have been preventable if the state agency had acted differently. The judge also referenced DCS involvement, stating that the agency visited the home shortly before the child's death but did not take any action.

The details

Maddox was sentenced to 3 years for reckless homicide and 17 years for aggravated child abuse, to be served concurrently. During the trial, Kadaris' pediatrician and a former home nurse testified about his dramatic weight loss and the poor conditions inside the home in the months leading up to his death. After two days of deliberation, the jury convicted Maddox of the lesser charge of reckless homicide and found her guilty of aggravated child abuse.

  • Kadaris Maddox died on July 6, 2022.
  • Maddox was found guilty in October 2025.
  • Maddox was sentenced on February 11, 2026.

The players

Cheyenne Dawn Maddox

The mother of Kadaris Maddox who was sentenced to 20 years in prison for his death and abuse.

Kadaris Maddox

The 13-year-old disabled son of Cheyenne Dawn Maddox who died as a result of malnutrition.

William Goodman III

The judge who sentenced Cheyenne Dawn Maddox to 20 years in prison.

Joshua Clegg

A patrol officer with the Clarksville Police Department who was first on the scene in 2022 and described Kadaris as 'severely emaciated, just skin and bones.'

Carla Aaron

The deputy commissioner for the Tennessee Office of Child Safety who previously explained how child abuse reports are investigated.

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What they’re saying

“This case was particularly disturbing in the sense that – it does not diminish the actions of Mrs. Maddox at all – but the proof was DCS visited the home shortly before the death of the child. … Nothing was done.”

— William Goodman III, Judge (Clarksville Now)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Cheyenne Dawn Maddox to be released on bail during the appeals process.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the critical need for stronger oversight and accountability within the Tennessee Department of Children's Services to ensure vulnerable children are protected from abuse and neglect, even when reports are made to the agency.