A 10-year-old boy has died after his 24-stone-heavy foster mother sat on him for misbehaving. Jennifer Lee Wilson has now been charged with reckless homicide following the death of Dakota Levi Stevens in Berrien County, Michigan. Wilson, 48, explained to the authorities that Dakota had run off earlier in the day of the incident before finding him at a neighbour’s house.

The foster mum explained that the child began misbehaving when they returned to her home in Valparaiso. He reportedly threw himself on the ground outside. Following this, Wilson allegedly sat on the boy, putting pressure on his head and neck, while on the phone with his case worker – he was reportedly screaming at this point.

She told police that she sat on the boy for around five minutes before he stopped moving, claiming she thought he was pretending when he went quiet.

Dakota, who had been placed in this home for around a month, was then rolled over where Wilson noted that his eyelids were unusually pale.

Another child swiftly called emergency services, but the foster boy had already stopped breathing and had no pulse when they arrived.

Dakota, who weighed 6.5 stone, was airlifted away to hospital where he remained on life support for two days before he was taken off and tragically died.

An autopsy found Dakota had suffered catastrophic injuries, including organ and soft tissue damage and liver and lung haemorrhaging, while the cause of death was mechanical asphyxia.

The tragic death of Dakota Levi Stevens has sent shockwaves through the community, raising questions about the safety and well-being of children in foster care. The idea that a child could lose his life at the hands of someone entrusted to care for him is truly heartbreaking.

It is important to remember that foster parents are meant to provide a safe and loving environment for children who may not have that in their own homes. They are supposed to be a source of comfort and support, not a threat to their well-being.

The details of Dakota’s final moments are disturbing and difficult to comprehend. The fact that he was allegedly subjected to such violence by someone who was supposed to protect him is a harsh reality that we must confront.

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of thorough background checks and ongoing monitoring of foster parents. It is crucial that those who take on the responsibility of caring for vulnerable children are held to the highest standards of care and accountability.

As we mourn the loss of Dakota, we must also recommit ourselves to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children in foster care. Every child deserves to be treated with kindness, respect, and compassion, and it is our collective responsibility to make sure that they are.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Dakota’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. May his memory be a reminder of the need for vigilance and advocacy on behalf of all children who are in need of a safe and nurturing home.