The tragic death of Dakota Levi Stevens has left many devastated. At just ten years old, and after a month in foster care, he was crushed to death by his foster mother, Jennifer Lee Wilson.
The day started with Dakota running away and being found at a neighbor’s home. Returning to the home, he began to misbehave. Wilson responded by sitting on him, placing her full weight on the small boy. This lasted about five minutes while she was talking on the phone.
Wilson assumed Dakota was faking his distress, but after rolling him over, she saw his eyelids turn pale. Emergency services were called but couldn’t save him. He passed away after two days on life support.
Autopsy results showed death due to mechanical asphyxia from severe internal injuries caused by the weight.
Shortly before this, Dakota had asked a neighbor to adopt him, telling her his parents had hurt him. Wilson said she only intended to hold him down and was not sure if she tackled him or fell.
Wilson pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six years in prison, with some time suspended. Other foster children were removed from the home. Dakota is remembered as a boy with a love for the outdoors and a free spirit.
His story is a powerful reminder that foster children need safe homes and protection. Justice is being served, but the loss is profound.
