Alabama Mom Charged with Murder in Disabled Daughter's Death

A mother in Gadsden, Alabama, has been charged with murder in the death of her 12-year-old disabled daughter, who authorities say was found severely malnourished and neglected. Leslie Denise Wilson, 35, was arrested Monday, with prosecutors alleging she caused the death of the girl, who suffered from cerebral palsy.

Police were initially called to the residence on a report of a natural death. However, investigators discovered the child in her bedroom in a state of extreme neglect. She was dehydrated, had pneumonia, and exhibited marks on her body. Authorities stated she weighed only 32 pounds and had maggots in her diaper. A detective described the scene as heartbreaking.

The child, whose name has not been released, relied on a feeding tube. According to investigators, Wilson allegedly instructed the girl's younger siblings to care for her, despite a lack of food in the home.

An autopsy revealed that the girl died from sepsis, and her death has been ruled a homicide. The criminal complaint alleges that Wilson engaged in torture, willful mistreatment, and cruel beatings of the girl between May 1 and June 17, causing serious physical injury through ongoing and extreme medical and/or physical neglect.