MARION, IN – Authorities in central Indiana have charged a local woman with felony neglect after her teenage son, who lived with cerebral palsy, was found severely malnourished and later died.
Tanya Boyd was formally charged with neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury, a level three felony, according to Grant County Superior Court records. The accusation follows a lengthy investigation into the conditions endured by her son, 17-year-old Ezekiel “Zeke” Sheppard.
Concerns about Sheppard’s health were first flagged in 2021 when the Indiana Department of Child Services launched an inquiry into his welfare. Investigators reported concerns over noticeable signs of malnutrition and lack of healthy physical development.
Authorities say Sheppard’s situation did not improve, and in August 2022, he was removed from Boyd’s home after officials documented “severe chronic and acute malnutrition.” According to court documents, the teenager weighed just 88.5 pounds at the time of his placement in a specialized care facility.
Following his removal, Sheppard’s condition showed marked improvement. Reports indicate that over the subsequent months, he gained significant weight—an increase of more than 60 percent—and grew two inches in height, suggesting prior health challenges were not due to his disability alone.
The investigation widened in September 2023 when the Indiana Department of Child Services alerted Marion Police to possible criminal neglect. On June 11, 2025, Sheppard passed away, although the exact cause and whether it was directly connected to the alleged mistreatment has not been determined.
Sheppard was remembered fondly by those who knew him, with family pointing to his love of country music and his ever-present stuffed alligator toy, which provided him comfort and support. His obituary noted his cheerful nature and the deep affection he had for family and friends.
Despite the criminal charges against Boyd, she is not currently listed as an inmate at the Grant County Jail. Recent filings show she has submitted bond paperwork to the Grant County Probation Department.
Boyd is scheduled for a pretrial conference in November, with her trial set to begin December 15. Law enforcement officials report the investigation remains ongoing as they seek to determine the full extent of responsibility for the teen’s care and subsequent death.
Court officials have not stated whether additional charges are being considered, as questions remain regarding the circumstances leading to Sheppard’s deteriorating health in his mother’s care.