Parents sentenced for hotel room murder of 11-year-old son with health condition

CLEVELAND (TCN) -- A mother and father have been sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for the 2024 murder of their 11-year-old son, who died from caregiver medical neglect.

John Towne and Ahhra Pugh were convicted in April of murder, endangering children, felonious assault, permitting child abuse, involuntary manslaughter, and tampering with evidence. WOIO reports they were sentenced June 1.

John Towne, Pugh, and their five children, including victim Hunter Towne, lived in a motel room with two pets at the time of the child’s death, according WOIO. Police say the living conditions were “deplorable.” Hunter Towne had several health issues, including Hirschsprung’s disease, and had become ill in the days before his death.

 
According to police, they received a call Jan. 10, 2024, about a deceased juvenile at the hotel, WHIO reported at the time. When police arrived, they saw Hunter Towne dead on a bed near the window. They contacted child services about the living conditions in the room.

The medical examiner determined Hunter Towne died from caregiver medical neglect, WOIO reports.

At their sentencing, Pugh expressed remorse and said she should have gotten help for Hunter Towne sooner. John Towne did not speak; his lawyer said he plans to appeal the conviction, per WOIO.

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Indictment of John Towne and Ahhra Pugh