Mom charged in connection with 4-year-old’s death allegedly sent photo of his body to a relative

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Pa. (TCN) -- A mother has been charged with child endangerment in connection with the death of her 4-year-old son, according to authorities.

WHP reports that on April 7, 40-year-old Amie Ruleman called 911 to say her son was not breathing. First responders pronounced him dead at the scene.

Ruleman allegedly told police the child, whose name has not been released, got sick two days earlier. She said he fell asleep the previous night in a kneeling position and she found him in the same position the day she called 911, according to WHP. She allegedly took a picture of the child and sent the image to a relative, claiming she tried to wake him, but he did not move. She said she then called 911.

Authorities spoke to a witness who had seen Ruleman and her son a couple of weeks prior, WPMT reports. At the time, the child appeared to be sick. When a search warrant was executed at Ruleman’s home, police found drug paraphernalia in the bathroom and noted the home was not clean. WGAL reports that the paraphernalia and controlled substances were within the child’s reach.

According to the coroner, the child was malnourished, weighing 25 pounds. Ruleman allegedly told police she had not taken him to the doctor since 2024, and that he only ate chips, pancakes, and chicken nuggets. WPMT reports Ruleman told authorities that her son, who had autism, had frequent stomach issues and would often eat his own clothing. She allegedly admitted they had missed five doctor’s appointments when police asked if she had sought medical attention for his stomach issues.

WGAL reports an autopsy will determine the child’s manner and cause of death.

Ruleman was charged with one count of endangering a child. Her bond has been set at $1 million, according to WPMT. Law & Crime reports she is scheduled to appear in court on April 21 for her preliminary hearing.

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