MOBILE, AL — An Alabama mother has been charged with murder and aggravated child abuse after her 14-year-old son with autism died while she allegedly left him and his older brother home alone overnight in squalid conditions.
Amanda Morgan, 39, was arrested Tuesday following a months-long investigation into the October 8, 2025 death of her son, who was found with a blanket wrapped around his neck in what authorities ruled an accidental strangulation. The arrest came after prosecutors received completed autopsy and toxicology reports that provided sufficient evidence to file charges against Morgan, according to the Mobile County District Attorney’s office. Morgan’s 16-year-old son, also diagnosed with autism, was hospitalized for malnutrition when police discovered his younger brother’s body.
Mobile Police Department officers responded to Morgan’s home on October 8 after receiving a call about a child not breathing. When they arrived, they found the 14-year-old dead and immediately observed signs of severe neglect throughout the residence. The home lacked air conditioning and running water, and was infested with insects and covered in human waste, according to testimony presented during Morgan’s bond hearing Wednesday. Court witnesses testified that Morgan had left both teenagers home alone for extended periods of time, with evidence showing the boys were unsupervised overnight before the younger child’s death. “She would leave the teenagers home by themselves for extended periods of time,” one witness testified during the hearing.
The autopsy report confirmed the 14-year-old boy died from accidental strangulation after a blanket became wrapped around his neck. Investigators found no evidence of intentional harm, but prosecutors argued Morgan’s pattern of neglect created the dangerous conditions that led to her son’s death. The Mobile County District Attorney’s office waited five months to file charges, explaining they needed complete forensic reports before proceeding. During that time, investigators documented the deplorable living conditions and Morgan’s history of leaving the vulnerable teenagers without proper supervision or care. Both boys required additional support due to their autism diagnoses, making Morgan’s alleged abandonment particularly dangerous according to child welfare experts.
Theodore, the Mobile suburb where the family lived, has seen increased scrutiny of child welfare cases in recent years. Alabama’s Department of Human Resources has faced criticism for failing to adequately monitor at-risk families, particularly those with children who have developmental disabilities. The state ranks among the worst nationally for child protective services funding and staffing, according to federal data. Morgan’s case highlights the vulnerability of children with special needs, who require consistent care and supervision. Autism spectrum disorders can affect communication, social interaction, and behavior, making it especially dangerous for affected children to be left unsupervised for long periods without proper safety measures in place.
During Wednesday’s bond hearing at Mobile County Circuit Court, Judge Sarah Mitchell set Morgan’s bail at $440,000 total – $400,000 for the murder charge and $40,000 for aggravated child abuse. Mitchell also issued a no-contact order prohibiting Morgan from any communication with her surviving 16-year-old son, whose current living arrangements were not disclosed by authorities. Morgan remains in custody at the Mobile County Metro Jail and is scheduled for arraignment on Tuesday, March 24. Court records do not indicate whether Morgan has retained legal representation or entered a plea to either charge. If convicted of murder, she could face life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The case has shaken the Theodore community, where neighbors reported they rarely saw the family and were unaware of the conditions inside the home. Local child advocacy groups have called for increased oversight of families with special needs children, arguing that more frequent welfare checks could prevent similar tragedies. Mobile Police Department has not released additional details about their investigation, citing the ongoing legal proceedings. The 16-year-old survivor’s condition has reportedly improved since being hospitalized for malnutrition in October, though authorities have not provided updates on his current health status or living situation.
Morgan’s arraignment on March 24 will mark the next step in legal proceedings that could result in a life sentence if she is convicted on the murder charge. Prosecutors have not indicated whether they plan to seek the death penalty in the case.
