Alabama Mother Charged With Felony Murder After Teenager With Autism Dies In Neglected Home

Amanda Marie Morgan faces felony murder charges in Alabama after her son with autism died in a home found without running water or cooling.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 30, 2026, 4:21 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from PEOPLE

A Fatal Oversight in Theodore

Amanda Marie Morgan, a 39-year-old resident of Alabama, is facing a felony murder charge following the death of her 14-year-old son in October 2025. According to investigative reports, the teenager, who had autism, was left home alone overnight with his 16-year-old sister, who also has autism. During the mother's absence, the boy reportedly became entangled in his blanket and died from accidental strangulation. Law enforcement officials responded to a mobile home park on Sperry Road where the grim discovery was made, sparking a months-long investigation into the family's living conditions and the mother's conduct.

Evidence of Extreme Domestic Neglect

The investigation into the mobile home revealed a environment that authorities described as profoundly uninhabitable. According to reports from the Mobile Police Department, the residence lacked basic utilities, including running water and air conditioning. Investigators documented severe unsanitary conditions, noting that feces were found on the walls and the interior was heavily infested with insects. According to testimony cited in court, Morgan allegedly established a pattern of leaving her children, both of whom required specialized care due to their disabilities, alone for extended periods of time.

Legal Proceedings and Judicial Restrictions

In a recent court appearance on March 24, Morgan entered a plea of not guilty to the charges of felony murder and aggravated child abuse. The court has set a substantial financial barrier for her release, ordering a $400,000 cash bond for the murder charge and an additional $40,000 for the child abuse count. According to judicial mandates, Morgan is strictly prohibited from having any contact with her surviving 16-year-old daughter. The daughter was reportedly transported to a medical facility for treatment related to malnutrition following the initial police response to the home.