Massachusetts Mother Receives Light Sentence in Son's Death After Leaving Him With Siblings
Jennifer Prudencio admitted to involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment, receiving four to six years for her role in her son Yael's death.
A Massachusetts mother has been sentenced to four to six years in prison after admitting responsibility for the death of her three-year-old son, Yael Guardado Prudencio. Jennifer Prudencio, 28, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and three counts of reckless endangerment of a child.
On the night of April 6, 2024, Prudencio left her son, who suffered from hemophilia and seizures, in the care of his eight-year-old and seven-year-old brothers. She went out drinking and stayed the night at her boyfriend's home. During that time, her eldest son sent her multiple texts, including a video at 1 a.m. showing Yael moaning and visibly distressed. Prudencio did not return to their Chelsea apartment until 10 a.m. the following morning, where she found Yael had died.
In the week prior to his death, Yael had suffered a fall during a seizure that left him with an unhealed facial wound, and he had vomited blood days before he died. Doctors had discussed adding a new medication or increasing his anti-seizure dosage, but toxicology tests after his death showed undetectable levels of the medication in his system.
Prudencio initially pleaded not guilty but changed her plea to guilty on August 11. Prosecutors argued for a sentence above state guidelines due to aggravating factors, but Judge Joshua Wall imposed a sentence that was reportedly higher than Massachusetts law recommended. The sentence includes 284 days of time served and three years of probation to begin after her release.
During the sentencing hearing, Prudencio's defense attorney described her as a "child in an adult body" who had endured abusive relationships and rape. Under the terms of her probation, Prudencio is prohibited from consuming alcohol or illicit drugs and must undergo mental health treatment. She will also be required to complete a parenting class to be considered for visitation rights with her two surviving children, who are currently in their grandmother's care.