In a tragic case that has shocked the community, Jennifer Lee Wilson, a 48-year-old foster mother from Valparaiso, #Indiana, has been sentenced to six years in prison for the reckless homicide of her 10-year-old foster son, Dakota Levi Stevens. 

The sentencing, which includes one year suspended to probation, was handed down on Friday, January 17, 2025, WLBT reports.

The incident occurred in April 2024 when Wilson, weighing approximately 340 pounds, admitted to lying on top of Dakota, who weighed 90 pounds, for about five minutes as a form of punishment for “acting bad.” 

This maniacal action led to Dakota’s death from mechanical asphyxia.  

Authorities revealed that shortly before the fatal incident, Dakota had sought help from a neighbor, pleading for them to adopt him due to mistreatment at home. Despite his pleas, he was returned to Wilson’s care, where the fatal punishment ensued.  

Following Dakota’s death, Wilson fled to Michigan, where she was apprehended in July 2024 after a license plate reader detected her vehicle.  

Logan Mills, Dakota’s cousin, commented, “While no sentence can bring Dakota back, we are satisfied that justice is being served.”