Nebraska Mom’s CHILLING Text—Baby DEAD After Boyfriend’s TWISTED Act!
A Nebraska woman faces jail time after her boyfriend swaddled her 4-month-old son in blankets and left him face-down to stop his crying. 🌐 #News #BeatriceNE #Nebraska #Crime
BEATRICE, NE — A 28-year-old Nebraska woman, Ashlen Zitel, has been sentenced to six years of probation and 120 days in jail following the death of her 4-month-old son in August 2024. The sentencing came after Zitel entered a guilty plea in December 2024, tied to events that unfolded while her boyfriend, Austin Meyn, watched her children.
The incident took place in Beatrice, Nebraska, with the baby pronounced dead at Beatrice Community Hospital on August 15, 2024. Court documents reveal a troubling sequence of events leading to the infant’s death, alongside a separate legal case involving Zitel.
A Fatal Decision at Home
Zitel was at work when Meyn, 27, grew frustrated with the baby’s crying. Meyn swaddled the infant tightly in blankets and placed him face-down on a mattress, intending to make him lose consciousness, according to court records.
Zitel, aware of Meyn’s actions, texted him that it was unnecessary to place the baby on his back, showing she knew the position restricted the infant’s oxygen. The baby, unable to roll over, remained in that state.
Later, Meyn contacted Zitel to say the baby was unresponsive. Returning home, Zitel found her son on his back and attempted CPR. When her efforts failed, paramedics were called, but the infant could not be saved. At the hospital, police noted bruising on the baby’s face and head, raising immediate concerns.
Autopsy Reveals Extent of Injuries
An autopsy uncovered the grim details: multiple hemorrhages on the baby’s head, broken ribs, and signs pointing to shaken baby syndrome.
The autopsy results showed the severe abuse that caused the infant’s death, moving the case into a criminal investigation.
Zitel’s Sentencing and Additional Charges
On the legal front, Zitel faced consequences tied not only to her son’s death but also to a separate sexual assault case.
Her sentence includes six years of probation, with 120 days of jail time split into 30-day periods between 2027 and 2030. The court retains the option to waive her jail time entirely, leaving that decision pending.
Boyfriend Faces Harsher Charges
Austin Meyn, charged with child abuse resulting in death, has pleaded not guilty. He remains in custody, with his next court appearance set for May 6, 2025.
Meyn’s case continues to develop as authorities pursue justice for the infant’s death.
A Moment for Reflection
The loss of a 4-month-old boy in Nebraska, leaves a void for his family and all who feel the weight of this tragedy. The community of Beatrice stands together, grappling with the pain of a life taken too soon and the complex aftermath that follows. Yet, through the pursuit of justice and shared resilience, there remains a chance for healing and a stronger tomorrow for those touched by this sorrowful event. — Jack and Kitty Norton, Founders and Editors
RELATED TOPICS: Crime | Nebraska
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