Fond du Lac mother charged with neglect in 12-year-old son's death

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Tina Beauprey, 51, has been ordered to stand trial for allegedly neglecting her 12-year-old son Jeremiah, who had Duchenne muscular dystrophy, resulting in his death. Beauprey's attorney has argued the boy's terminal illness caused his severe weight loss, but the medical examiner determined his death was due to starvation, ruling it a homicide.

Why it matters

This case raises difficult questions about the balance between respecting a parent's decisions for a terminally ill child and ensuring adequate care and nutrition to prevent a tragic outcome. It also highlights the challenges families face in caring for children with debilitating diseases like Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

The details

According to the criminal complaint, Jeremiah had been in foster care due to his Duchenne muscular dystrophy, but was returned to Beauprey's care in November 2024. Medical appointments showed Jeremiah needed to gain weight, but Beauprey allegedly failed to provide proper care and nutrition. After Jeremiah's death, an autopsy determined he died of starvation ketoacidosis, with the death ruled a homicide. Beauprey's attorney argued the boy's terminal illness would have caused weight loss, but the medical examiner said Jeremiah would still be alive if he had received proper care.

• Jeremiah was returned to Beauprey's care in November 2024.
• Jeremiah died on December 5, 2025.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Beauprey's arraignment is scheduled for March 20, where she will formally enter a plea to the charges.