Ashlen Zitel, 28, sentenced to probation following the suffocation death of her 4-month-old son, allegedly caused by her boyfriend’s actions.
A Nebraska mother has been sentenced to six years of probation for her role in the tragic death of her 4-month-old baby, who suffocated after allegedly being placed face-down by her boyfriend.
Ashlen Zitel, 28, pleaded guilty in December 2024 in connection with the death of her infant son on August 15, 2024.
According to court documents obtained by local CBS affiliate KOLN, Zitel was at work while her boyfriend, Austin Meyn, 27, cared for her two children. Frustrated by the baby’s crying, Meyn reportedly swaddled the child in blankets and placed him face-down on a mattress, allegedly intending for the infant to “pass out.”
Text messages revealed that Zitel was aware of Meyn’s actions. In one message, she told Meyn he did not need to place the baby on his back.
“Ashlen Zitel does not appear to question the methods that Meyn is using, including being aware that the baby’s oxygen levels are intentionally being reduced as he is face down and unable to roll over on his own,” the affidavit stated, per KOLN.
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The situation escalated when Meyn called Zitel, telling her the baby was unresponsive. Upon returning home, Zitel found the infant lying on his back and attempted CPR. When resuscitation efforts failed, paramedics were called and transported the child to Beatrice Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
An autopsy revealed extensive injuries, including multiple head hemorrhages, broken ribs, and symptoms consistent with shaken baby syndrome. Police also noted bruising on the infant’s face and head in court documents.
As part of her sentencing, Zitel was ordered to serve 120 days in jail, split into 30-day increments between 2027 and 2030, though the court may waive her confinement, according to KOLN. Her sentence also covered charges related to a separate sexual assault case.
Meyn has been charged with child abuse resulting in death. He pleaded not guilty during his latest court appearance and remains in custody, awaiting his next hearing on May 6.
