A Nebraska child abuse case has led to felony charges against a 47-year-old guardian after a 12-year-old boy in her care was hospitalized in critical condition, severely malnourished and weighing nearly half the typical weight for his age.
Angela Lowe has been charged with child abuse causing serious bodily injury, false imprisonment, and first-degree assault. She is being held by the Lancaster County Department of Corrections on a $750,000 bond. Court records indicate she is scheduled to return to court on March 4.
The case came to light on Jan. 12 when Lowe brought the boy to an emergency room, according to law enforcement. Lowe had been the child’s guardian since he was six years old, KOLN reported, citing court records.
Medical staff quickly raised alarms. After the boy was admitted, a nurse contacted police, suspecting child neglect. Officers who responded found the child in dire condition. According to the Lincoln Police Department, he was severely malnourished and too weak to lift himself or speak.
Authorities reported that the boy’s core body temperature measured 80 degrees Fahrenheit — well below the standard 97 degrees — and he weighed just 47 pounds. A typical 12-year-old boy weighs about 90 pounds, according to KOLN.
The child was airlifted to Children’s Nebraska pediatric hospital in Omaha, where doctors diagnosed him with septic shock and pneumonia. Investigators allege that Lowe not only neglected the boy but starved and tortured him over several months.
Authorities have not clarified Lowe’s exact relationship to the child beyond her status as guardian. The investigation remains ongoing as prosecutors prepare to move forward with the felony child abuse case in Lancaster County District Court.
