Mother Leaves Autistic Child Deceased for Over 24 Hours, Shares Photo with Relative Prior to Alerting Authorities

In a troubling case from Pennsylvania, a mother faces serious allegations of neglect after her autistic 4-year-old son was found dead in their home. Authorities report that the child lay deceased for more than a day before the mother contacted emergency services, expressing reservations about performing CPR.

Amie Marie Ruleman was arrested this week and charged with felony child endangerment in relation to her son’s tragic death, officials announced.

Waynesboro Police Department officers arrived at the residence in the 500 block of Pratt Court shortly after 1 p.m. on April 7, responding to a report of a child who was unresponsive, as reported by Penn Live reported. Ruleman informed the 911 dispatcher that she discovered her son around 11 a.m., kneeling with his hand on a chair, initially believing he was asleep. Upon checking an hour later, she found him unconscious and not breathing.

Upon arrival, investigators confirmed the boy had been dead for some time, as noted by Harrisburg ABC affiliate WHTM in their report.

During questioning, Ruleman stated her son had been ill since Easter Sunday, experiencing stomach problems and vomiting. She mentioned giving him Tylenol on the morning of his death. Despite his autism and nonverbal status, she reported no other known health issues.

But as the investigation unfolded, that timeline began to shift.

Ruleman reportedly revised her statement, telling investigators she saw her son kneeling on the floor with his arm resting on a chair around 4 a.m. and went back to bed instead of checking on him. Hours later, she woke again and found him in the same position, at one point taking a photo and sending it to a family member and then spending more than an hour in the bathroom before attempting to wake him.

Only after she found him unresponsive and cold to the touch did she call 911.

Investigators say medical evidence contradicted her account. The Franklin County coroner determined the boy had likely been dead for more than 24 hours — far longer than Ruleman claimed — and noted signs of malnourishment, with the child weighing about 25 pounds, well below the 35-pound average for his age, according to a report from Lancaster NBC affiliate WGAL.

Authorities also reportedly documented troubling conditions inside the home. Investigators described the residence as being in disarray, with drug paraphernalia visible and in areas the child could have accessed.

Witness accounts added to concerns about the boy’s condition before his death. A friend who visited the home on Easter Sunday told police the child appeared visibly ill and urged Ruleman to seek medical care, but she did not take him to a hospital, according to York Fox affiliate WPMT.

During interviews, Ruleman allegedly admitted she had missed at least five doctor appointments for her son over the past two years — despite seeking medical care and prescription medications for herself. She also reportedly had no explanation for failing to take him.

Ruleman further claimed her son’s diet consisted almost entirely of chips, chicken nuggets, and mini pancakes, adding that he often ate his own clothing.

“Based on the evidence gathered, including the child’s physical condition, the inconsistencies in the timeline provided by Amie Ruleman, the presence of controlled substances and drug paraphernalia within the residence, and Ruleman’s own admissions regarding her failure to seek medical care for her son, there is sufficient probable cause to believe that Ruleman’s actions and neglect contributed to the condition of her child,” prosecutors wrote in charging documents.

An official cause of death for the victim will be determined following an autopsy scheduled for this week.

Ruleman is currently being held at the Franklin County Prison in lieu of $1 million bond. She is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on April 21.