Shocking Abuse: Woman’s Inhumane Treatment Leaves 12-Year-Old Boy Severely Malnourished and Near Death

Authorities in Nebraska have charged a woman with allegedly starving a 12-year-old boy in her care to a dangerously low weight. The child weighed nearly half of what is expected for someone his age, officials revealed.

Angela Lowe, aged 47, faces multiple charges, including child abuse resulting in serious bodily harm, false imprisonment, and first-degree assault.

Currently, Lowe is in custody at the Lancaster County Department of Corrections, with her bond set at $750,000.

According to law enforcement, Lowe brought the young boy to an emergency room on January 12. She had been his guardian since he was six years old, as reported by local CBS affiliate KOLN, which referenced court documents.

Once at the medical facility, a nurse reportedly alerted police due to suspicions of child neglect. The Lincoln Police Department stated that the boy was in a state of severe malnutrition, unable to lift himself or even speak.

Officers responded, finding that the boy had a core body temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit — far below the standard 97 degrees — and weighed just 47 pounds, according to the TV station. A typical 12-year-old boy weighs about 90 pounds, the TV station added.

The child was airlifted to Children’s Nebraska pediatric hospital in Omaha, where doctors diagnosed him with septic shock and pneumonia. Investigators believe Lowe not only neglected the boy but starved and tortured him for months.

Doctors did not expect the child to survive more than a few days, according to KOLN. As of Thursday, however, the child was still in critical but stable condition in the hospital’s intensive care unit.

Lowe’s exact relationship with the child is unclear. She is scheduled to return to court on March 4.