Kansas dad convicted of killing malnourished daughter because he was passed out drunk

TOPEKA, Kan. (TCD) -- A jury convicted a father whose 2-year-old died of malnutrition in 2021 because he had been passed out for several days due to drinking too much alcohol.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports Jeffrey "James" Exon was found guilty Tuesday, April 11, of first-degree murder in the commission of a felony, aggravated child endangerment, reckless but unintentional second-degree murder, and failure by a parent to report the death of a child in connection with the death of his daughter, Aurora Exon.

Shawnee County Deputy District Attorney Bethany Lee said during the trial Exon failed to feed his children because he was "intoxicated and passed out in his bed for days on end."

On Jan. 5, 2021, Topeka Police responded to a call at Exon’s home on Southwest 10th Avenue because Aurora wasn’t breathing. Exon reportedly told the 911 dispatcher that his daughter had been "starving herself."

The affidavit cited by the Topeka-Capital Journal said Topeka Police officers "reported that the child appeared to be in rigor mortis, stiffening of muscles which usually sets in 12 hours after death."

Exon’s ex-fiancée reportedly testified that when he got drunk, he would "forget" to look after Aurora and her brother.

According to the Topeka Capital-Journal, Aurora’s brother said at the trial Exon "locked them in their rooms for several days without food while he 'slept.'" The coroner determined the girl died from marasmus, which is a type of malnutrition.

WIBW-TV reports investigators suspected Aurora had been deceased for several days before Exon called police.

The Shawnee County District Attorney said Exon will likely face life in prison with the chance of parole after 25 years. Jail records show he will be sentenced July 28.

MORE:

• Jury convicts Topekan prosecutor said was passed out drunk as daughter died of malnutrition - Topeka Capital-Journal
• Pathologist: 2-year-old Topekan died of malnutrition resulting from father's negligence, 6/17/2021 - Topeka Capital-Journal
• Police say toddler may have been dead for days before dad called 911, 4/26/2021 - WIBW
• Shawnee County Jail inmate information