Idaho woman accused of forcing boy to sit under cold shower, causing hypothermia as punishment

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (TCD) -- A 24-year-old woman was arrested after she allegedly forced a young boy to sit under a cold shower until he went into hypothermia as a punishment for wetting the bed.

According to the probable cause affidavit cited by the Post Register, on Sept. 24, Ashlynn Richardson’s neighbor reportedly grew concerned when she heard the sound of water running and a child screaming. Robinson was also allegedly yelling "stop it" during that time. The neighbor reportedly went to check on the situation and allegedly heard the sound of water running and a child crying. The two reportedly spoke for about 15 minutes.

When she returned to the shower, Richardson reportedly found the boy cold, and she contacted 911. When speaking with police later, however, she reportedly gave conflicting statements about the boy’s state when she returned to the bathroom to check on him.

According to the Post Register, the child’s temperature was 71.8 degrees Fahrenheit, and it was determined he had "profound hypothermia."

During an examination, doctors reportedly found multiple bruises on his body, a swollen lip, and traces of cannabis in his urine. East Idaho News reports the boy was put in pediatric intensive care.

According to the Post Register, the boy suffers from juvenile Huntington’s disease, a terminal illness. He reportedly has issues chewing without choking and walking without falling and needs supervision at all times.

Richardson allegedly left him in the shower because she was upset he wet the bed and she had used cold water as punishment on several occasions.

Court records show Richardson was charged with injury to child. Her bail was set at $7,500.

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