Joseph Paul Wilson, 45, a chiropractor, and his wife, Jodi Ann Wilson, 42, were sentenced in Surry County Superior Court after pleading guilty to second-degree murder and child abuse charges.
Skyler Wilson died on Jan. 9, 2023, four days after being taken off life support. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation determined the cause of death to be hypoxic-ischemic brain injury resulting from prolonged physical restraint. Complications related to malnutrition also contributed to the child's death, as he was less able to survive the restraint due to his condition, according to the Surry County District Attorney’s Office.
The Wilsons subjected Skyler and his siblings to disciplinary practices learned from books, including exorcisms, at their Mount Airy home. On Jan. 5, 2023, Jodi Wilson wrapped Skyler in a bedsheet and used duct tape to restrain him face down on the floor for several hours. Joseph Wilson had purchased the duct tape and Ace bandages earlier that day for the purpose of restraining the child and did not intervene when he returned home for lunch and saw Skyler restrained.
Jodi Wilson later messaged her husband a picture of the boy, writing, "Hurry home, I think I have hurt him." Joseph Wilson subsequently called 911, claiming Skyler was experiencing a seizure. A voice in the background, believed to be Jodi's, could be heard saying, "It’s my fault."
During the investigation, authorities discovered wrist and ankle restraints at the home. Digital records and home surveillance footage provided evidence of abuse preceding Skyler's death. Approximately one month before Skyler's death, a former foster parent had filed a report with the Surry County Department of Social Services expressing concerns about Skyler and his siblings. The report alleged that the Wilsons had discussed food restrictions and performing exorcisms on the children.
Following the investigation, the other children residing in the Wilson home were placed into DSS custody. The DSS has not immediately responded to requests for comment.
The Wilsons received sentences ranging from 25 to 31 years for the murder charge. Jodi Wilson was also given a consecutive sentence of 7 to nearly 9.5 years for conspiracy to commit felony child abuse. Joseph Wilson received additional time for child abuse and conspiracy charges, though the exact duration was not specified. In total, the couple is expected to serve between 32 and 40 years in prison.