A 39-year-old Alabama mother has waived her right to a preliminary hearing following murder charges related to her teenage son’s death while he was left home alone. Amanda Morgan appeared in Mobile County court on Monday, facing felony murder and aggravated child abuse charges after her 14-year-old son with autism died from strangulation in October 2025.
The teenager was discovered deceased on October 8, 2025, with a blanket wrapped around his neck. According to Mobile County District Attorney Keith Blackwood, the boy had tied the blanket around himself to wear as a cape, which served as a comfort mechanism for him. The strangulation appears to have been accidental, though prosecutors maintain that prolonged neglect created the dangerous circumstances that led to the tragedy.
Morgan is accused of regularly leaving her two teenage children, both diagnosed with severe autism, home alone for extended periods. Witnesses reported to police that on the night of the incident, Morgan had left the teenagers unsupervised overnight. During a March court hearing following Morgan’s arrest, testimony revealed that she would routinely leave the children by themselves for lengthy periods.
The district attorney emphasized that while prosecutors are not alleging Morgan physically killed her child, they believe her pattern of neglect directly contributed to the fatal incident. The case highlights the vulnerability of children with special needs who require constant supervision and care.
When authorities discovered the 14-year-old’s body, they also found his 16-year-old sister in the home. She was subsequently hospitalized and treated for severe malnutrition, indicating the extent of the alleged neglect. Following Morgan’s arrest, the court ordered her to have no contact with her surviving daughter.
Investigators found deplorable living conditions at the family’s Theodore, Alabama residence. The home was reportedly infested with insects and contaminated with human waste. Additionally, the property lacked basic utilities, including running water and air conditioning, raising further concerns about the children’s welfare.
The decision to waive the preliminary hearing means the case will now proceed to a grand jury, which will determine whether to formally indict Morgan on the charges of murder and aggravated child abuse. The grand jury will review all evidence presented by prosecutors before making their decision.
Morgan currently remains in custody at the Mobile County Jail, where she is being held on a $20,000 bond. Her next court appearance date has not been announced. If indicted and convicted of felony murder, she could face significant prison time under Alabama law.
The case underscores the critical importance of proper supervision for children with developmental disabilities and the legal responsibilities parents have to ensure their children’s safety. Children with autism often require specialized care and constant supervision, particularly those with severe forms of the condition who may not fully understand potential dangers in their environment.
Local authorities have not released additional details about the family’s history or whether child protective services had previous involvement with the household. The investigation continues as prosecutors prepare to present their case to the grand jury.
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