A Nebraska woman, Ashlen Zitel, was sentenced to probation after her 4-month-old baby died due to suffocation, allegedly caused by her boyfriend’s actions. Zitel, 28, had pleaded guilty in December 2024 to charges related to the August 15, 2024, death of her infant son.
On the day of the incident, Zitel was at work while her boyfriend, Austin Meyn, 27, was watching the children. According to court documents, Meyn became frustrated when the baby started crying. He then allegedly swaddled the infant in blankets and placed him face-down on a mattress, hoping the baby would stop crying and fall asleep. The court documents further revealed that Zitel sent a text message to Meyn, telling him that he didn’t need to place the baby on his back for sleep, which is a recommended position to prevent suffocation.
As a result, the baby was left in a dangerous position, unable to move or roll over on his own. Meyn reportedly did not seem concerned about the suffocation risk, and Zitel did not intervene when she was made aware of the baby’s face-down position. This lack of caution ultimately contributed to the tragic death of the infant.
After some time, Meyn called Zitel to inform her that the baby was unresponsive. When Zitel returned home and found her child lying on his back, she attempted CPR, but it was unsuccessful. Emergency services were called, and the baby was rushed to Beatrice Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
An investigation by authorities revealed concerning details about the baby’s injuries. The child had bruises on his face and head, and an autopsy showed he had sustained multiple injuries, including hemorrhaging in various areas of his head and broken ribs. The autopsy findings were consistent with symptoms typically associated with shaken baby syndrome, suggesting that the infant had been violently shaken before his death.
Zitel was sentenced to six years of probation and ordered to serve 120 days in jail, but the jail time will be staggered in 30-day increments between 2027 and 2030. Additionally, the court may waive her confinement based on certain conditions. Her sentence also includes charges from a separate case involving sexual assault, which played a part in the final sentencing.
Meyn was also charged with child abuse resulting in death. At his latest court appearance, he pleaded not guilty to the charges and is awaiting his next court date, which is scheduled for May 6, 2025. He remains in custody as he faces further legal proceedings related to the infant’s death.
This tragic case underscores the dangers of unsafe sleep practices for infants, as well as the devastating consequences of neglect and abuse. The infant’s death has left the community in shock, and authorities continue to emphasize the importance of proper care and vigilance when it comes to the well-being of young children.
