Nebraska – A Nebraska mother was sentenced to six years of probation for her role in the death of her baby. The judge also ordered her to serve 120 days in jail, divided into 30-day increments between 2027 and 2030, though this time may be waived if she complies with her probation terms.

The sentencing followed the 28-year-old mother’s, Ashlen, guilty plea to negligent child abuse resulting in death. Prosecutors argued that the mother failed to protect her son from her boyfriend, Austyn, who was charged with intentional child abuse resulting in death. The case stemmed from an incident in August last year, when the mother left the infant in her boyfriend’s care while she was at work.

According to court documents, the man reportedly became frustrated with the baby’s crying and swaddled him tightly in blankets, placing him face-down on a mattress. Text messages revealed that the mother was aware of his actions and did not intervene. She reportedly told the man in a text message that he did not have to put the baby, 3-month-old Andrew, on his back.

Later that day, the boyfriend contacted the woman, stating that the baby was unresponsive. When she returned home, she found her son lying on his back and attempted CPR before emergency responders arrived. The infant was transported to the local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

An autopsy revealed multiple head hemorrhages, broken ribs, and signs consistent with shaken baby syndrome. Authorities determined that the baby had suffered prolonged abuse. The baby’s cause of death was determined to be suffocation due to being swaddled tightly and placed face-down on a mattress. 

During sentencing, Chief Deputy County Attorney Amanda emphasized that the mother had minimized her responsibility in the case, stating that neglecting an infant to the point of death showed reckless disregard for the child’s well-being. Public Defender Timan, representing the mother, acknowledged her poor choices but argued that her actions constituted negligence rather than intentional harm. He stated that the mother recognized the consequences of her decisions and had been cooperative with prosecutors.

The mom’s boyfriend, who faces charges of child abuse resulting in death, is still awaiting trial. His pretrial hearing is scheduled for May 6, 2025. This case has drawn widespread attention, highlighting the legal consequences of child neglect and the responsibility of caregivers to protect vulnerable children.

Beyond the infant’s death, both defendants faced charges in a separate case involving the alleged se-ual assault of a 15-year-old between March and August 2024. They were charged with first-degree se-ual assault of a child and intentional child abuse with no injury. As part of her sentencing, the mother is required to register as a convicted se* offender for 25 years. The probation terms include periodic jail sentences that may be waived if she complies with all conditions.