Law enforcement authorities announced the detention of a 34-year-old mother named Lauren and her husband Jacob on Wednesday. The couple faces charges in connection with the fatal beating of their 5-year-old adopted son.
Disturbingly, the adoptive parents allegedly initiated a GoFundMe campaign ostensibly to cover funeral expenses for their deceased adoptive son but instead utilized the funds to support their legal costs.
The adoptive mother, in a message on the now-removed GoFundMe page, recounted the tragedy that befell their family, sharing that their young son became unresponsive.
Rushing him to the emergency room, they reported that the child remained unresponsive despite intubation. Regrettably, the boy named Landon succumbed to his injuries seven days later.
Authorities investigating the case disclosed that Landon had previously experienced injuries indicative of abuse before his tragic passing. During questioning, the parents asserted that the child had been weakened by a prior bout of COVID-19, a month prior.
Hospital staff, however, alleged that Lauren showed a lack of urgency upon arrival at the medical facility, despite Landon’s critical condition. Remarkably, the couple delayed seeking medical attention for a whole day, despite the child suffering from three brain bleeds.
The fundraiser organized by Lauren, which was ultimately taken down, managed to amass $5,300. The mother, appealing for sympathy, shared the dire situation of her adopted son before his untimely death.
However, an autopsy uncovered the grim reality – the boy had succumbed to blunt-force trauma to his head and neck. Law enforcement reported that the child exhibited multiple bruises on his body, an inability to breathe independently, and rotational head trauma consistent with severe child abuse.
Medical professionals involved in the case described the inflicted abuse as nothing short of torture. As the investigation unfolded, text messages allegedly sent by both parents revealed disdain for the victim, with the adoptive mother even purportedly expressing an intent to end his life.
The child’s biological grandmother, Kathie, told investigators that she did not detect signs of abuse until April 2022, when Lauren restricted her access to Landon.
The charges brought against the couple include homicide, child endangerment, and aggravated assault. Lauren is further charged with an additional count of first-degree murder. In light of these grave allegations, the couple’s five children have been removed from their care.
