Who is Shanda Vander ark trial, Timothy Ferguson dead and obituary

The trial has commenced in Muskegon County for a woman who stands accused of the tragic death of her 15-year-old son due to starvation.

Shanda Vander Ark is facing charges of open murder and first-degree child abuse.

In July of 2022, tragedy struck the Ferguson family when Timothy Ferguson, the son, was discovered lifeless at their residence in Norton Shores. According to prosecutors, Timothy had some form of cognitive or mental impairment. Shockingly, he weighed a mere 69 pounds at the time of his passing. The results of the autopsy revealed that dehydration and severe emaciation resulting from malnourishment and starvation were the causes of his demise. The medical examiner classified his death as a homicide.

According to court proceedings in 2022, it was claimed that Vander Ark deprived Timothy of nourishment, providing him solely with bread or bread soaked in hot sauce. Additionally, it was alleged that Vander Ark forcefully administered hot sauce to Timothy and subjected him to an ice bath, which is believed to have resulted in hypothermia and ultimately caused his death. Furthermore, Timothy was compelled to sleep in a closet that was equipped with a door alarm.

According to a previous statement made by an assistant prosecutor, Vander Ark made the deliberate decision to subject the child to a form of torture.