Judge Reacts in Disbelief as Mother Expresses Love for the 'Sweet Boy' She Participated in Torturing and Beating to Death

In Indiana, a 28-year-old mother, Mary Yoder, faces a lengthy prison term for her involvement in the heartbreaking torture and tragic death of her 4-year-old son, Judah Morgan. The distressing events unfolded in 2021 when Judah suffered starvation, beatings, and confinement in a dark basement before his father fatally beat him due to toilet training struggles.

Judge Thomas Alevizos from LaPorte County Circuit Court sentenced Yoder to 42 years in a state correctional facility following her guilty plea to neglect resulting in the death of a dependent and domestic battery to a child. These charges included abuse against Judah and his younger sibling.

Judah's father, Alan Morgan, had previously pleaded guilty to murder and battery in 2022, receiving a 70-year prison sentence for his role in the tragedy.

As part of her agreement with prosecutors, Yoder admitted to mistreating both her children and failing to intervene in her husband's abusive behavior towards Judah. During the sentencing, Yoder expressed regret and longing for her son, which incited a strong reaction from Judge Alevizos, who confronted her with a photo of Judah's autopsy.

Police arrived at Yoder and Morgan's residence in response to a 911 call on Oct. 11, 2021, discovering Judah's battered body in a bedroom. Yoder reported that Morgan had harmed the child.

Evidence presented during Morgan's trial revealed a pattern of severe physical and emotional abuse inflicted by the parents. Video footage captured Morgan assaulting Judah on multiple occasions, subjecting him to extreme punishment in the dark basement and withholding basic necessities like food and water. Judah's autopsy disclosed fatal blunt force trauma to his head, causing severe brain bleeding.

The home's basement, where Judah was confined, lacked proper lighting and was found in squalid conditions, with only a toddler potty, training pants, and a single blanket. Investigators noted feces scattered around and torn duct tape.

Before the sentencing, Judah's foster mother, Jenna Hullett, addressed Yoder directly in a victim impact statement, expressing deep anguish over the loss and Yoder's apparent indifference to pleas for help.

 

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