A mother is accused of starving her disabled teenage son in a troubling case out of central Indiana.

Tanya Boyd has been charged with neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury, a level three felony, according to Grant County Superior Court records.

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In 2021, the Indiana Department of Child Services began a case into 17-year-old Ezekiel “Zeke” Sheppard because of worries about malnutrition and stunted physical development, Indianapolis-based CBS affiliate WTTV reported.

In August 2022, Sheppard, who had cerebral palsy and was about 17 years old at the time, was removed from Boyd’s care after continuing to suffer from “severe chronic and acute malnutrition.”

His weight was just 88.5 pounds, according to court documents reviewed by the outlet. Once Sheppard was sent to a children’s facility, he started to improve. His weight increased by 61% and he grew two inches.

In September 2023, the Indiana Department of Child Services reportedly reached out to the Marion Police Department in reference to Sheppard’s case. He died on June 11, 2025; it was unclear whether his death was related to the alleged neglect.