Mom Allegedly Tortured Son With Ice Baths, Hot Sauce and starvation | True Crime Daily Brief

After her disabled teen son died of malnutrition and hypothermia, a 43-year-old mother was arrested.

Norton Shores police officers responded to a report of a suspicious death in the 4000 block of Marshall Road shortly after 6:30 a.m. on July 6. Authorities reportedly found the deceased teen at the scene.

Michigan Live reports that Timothy Ferguson, 15, died from malnourishment and hypothermia, according to the medical examiner.

Further investigation revealed that Ferguson's mother, Shanda Vander Ark, punished her son with ice baths. His death was even preceded by an ice bath, according to Michigan Live.

The investigation revealed that Shanda Vander Ark received a number of punishments which were simply beyond the pale in terms of what should be administered to a child, according to the prosecutor.

"Most notably, denial of food to the child, bread soaked in hot sauce poured down the child's throat, and placing the child in an ice bath." Roberts said.

Moreover, Ferguson allegedly suffered from mental disabilities and was homeschooled.

Despite living in Florida, the victim's father was unaware of the alleged abuse, Michigan Live reported.

There is also a 7-year-old child and a 20-year-old living in Vander Ark's home, but neither child appears to be abused.

Records show Vander Ark was arrested on July 7 and charged with homicide. She remains in the Muskegon County Jail without bond. According to reports, Vander Ark will appear in court on July 28.

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