North Dakota Mom Charged With Manslaughter After Daughter, 7, Dies of Meningitis

Jerika McNeely, 32, allegedly ignored her daughter's worsening symptoms for days, telling her other children the girl just needed fresh air.

North Dakota mother faces manslaughter charge in 7-year-old's meningitis death

A 32-year-old North Dakota woman has been charged with manslaughter after she allegedly failed to seek medical care for her severely ill daughter, who later died. Law & Crime reports that Jerika McNeely was booked into the McKenzie County Correctional Facility following the death of her 7-year-old daughter, Jerrie Young.

Deputies from the McKenzie County Sheriff's Office responded to McNeely's home in Watford City on May 15 after receiving calls about an unresponsive child. Despite lifesaving efforts at the scene, the girl did not survive.

According to an arrest affidavit obtained by local NBC affiliate KVLY, Jerrie first showed signs of illness on May 10. Her condition worsened steadily over the following days — she became unable to sit up or walk and had to be carried by her mother. McNeely's other children later told police they were well aware something was seriously wrong with their sister.

At least one of the siblings urged McNeely to take Jerrie to a hospital. McNeely responded that the girl simply needed to go outside for some fresh air, according to the affidavit.

Investigators determined that McNeely had access to a phone, a vehicle, and medical facilities near the family's home but never sought treatment for her daughter.

The North Dakota Forensic Examiner's Office ruled Jerrie's cause of death as complications from Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis. Her manner of death was classified as homicide, reflecting the finding that her mother had failed to obtain necessary medical care.

A pediatric infectious disease specialist consulted during the death investigation noted in the autopsy report, as reported by KVLY, that the bacterial infection was life-threatening and required immediate medical attention.

McNeely was charged on Sunday and posted bond the following day, according to online jail records. She appeared in court on Wednesday and is scheduled to return on November 5.

Source: Law & Crime