Inset (left): Jerika McNeely (McKenzie County Sheriff’s Office). Inset (right): Jerrie Young (Facebook). Background: The McKenzie County Sheriff’s Office in Watford City, N.D. (Google Maps).
In a heartbreaking turn of events, a mother from North Dakota is now facing serious legal repercussions. She has been charged with manslaughter after reportedly neglecting to seek medical care for her gravely ill daughter.
The accused, 32-year-old Jerika McNeely, found herself in custody at the McKenzie County Correctional Facility, charged with manslaughter following the tragic death of her 7-year-old daughter, Jerrie Young. Reports from the McKenzie County Sheriff’s Office indicate that deputies rushed to McNeely’s home on May 15 in response to distress calls about an unresponsive young girl. Despite their attempts to revive her, Jerrie Young succumbed to her condition and passed away.
Upon probing deeper into this devastating incident, investigators revealed that McNeely allegedly neglected to address her daughter’s progressively worsening symptoms until it was too late.
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According to KVLY, the autopsy results shed light on the severity of the situation. A pediatric infectious disease specialist, who was consulted during the investigation, determined that the girl suffered from a critical bacterial infection. This condition was severe enough to pose a life-threatening risk, necessitating urgent medical intervention.
McNeely was charged on Sunday and posted bond the next day, according to online jail records. She appeared in court on Wednesday and is due back on Nov. 5.
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