An Alabama mother is facing felony murder and aggravated child abuse charges after authorities say she left her two children—both of whom have autism—home alone overnight, leading to the death of her 14-year-old son.

Amanda Marie Morgan, 39, has been charged following what investigators describe as a deeply disturbing scene inside a mobile home in Theodore, Alabama. Police say her teenage son died after becoming accidentally strangled by his blanket while unsupervised.

His 16-year-old sister, who was also left in the home, survived but was taken to the hospital suffering from malnutrition, raising further concerns about prolonged neglect.

When officers from the Mobile Police Department responded to the residence in October 2025, they reportedly found conditions that painted a stark picture of instability and deprivation. According to investigators, the home lacked running water and air conditioning and was infested with bugs. Even more troubling, feces were allegedly found smeared on the walls.

Court testimony cited by local reports suggests Morgan had left her children alone for extended periods of time prior to the incident, a pattern that prosecutors may argue contributed directly to the fatal outcome.

Despite the severity of the allegations, Morgan has pleaded not guilty. At a March 24 hearing, a judge set a $400,000 cash component bond for the felony murder charge and an additional $40,000 for the aggravated child abuse charge. She has also been ordered to have no contact with her surviving daughter.

The case hinges on whether the boy’s death—described as accidental strangulation—can legally be tied to criminal neglect. Under Alabama law, felony murder charges can apply when a death occurs as a result of another serious crime, in this case, alleged child abuse.

Morgan is scheduled to appear in court again for a preliminary hearing on April 20, where prosecutors are expected to present further evidence outlining the conditions inside the home and the timeline leading up to the boy’s death.