Lauren Henckel has been accused of failing to provide proper care and supervision for her son, Caden Reed Sanchez, throughout much of his life. From an early age, Caden was exposed to neglect and dangerous environments, leaving him vulnerable to a tragic fate. As a baby, he was reportedly found in dirty diapers in a chaotic household, and as he grew older, his situation worsened. Henckel allegedly left him alone for weeks, allowing him to engage in substance abuse, including drugs and alcohol. At the age of 15, Caden was found unresponsive in their home, later dying from a fentanyl overdose.
Henckel, 44, is now facing charges of child neglect in connection with her son’s death. According to police reports, there were numerous warnings regarding her treatment of Caden. The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) received 22 referrals over the years, expressing concerns about drug use in the home, filthy living conditions, and a lack of supervision. These allegations painted a disturbing picture of a mother who, instead of protecting her child, allowed him to engage in harmful behavior.
On December 2, 2023, authorities responded to a drug overdose call at the family’s home. Upon arrival, officers and paramedics found Caden unresponsive in his bed. He was rushed to the hospital, where he was declared dead three days later. Investigators found cut straws and several empty alcohol bottles in his room, indicating possible drug use, specifically fentanyl. According to the police affidavit, Henckel had been addicted to drugs for much of Caden’s life. When Caden was just 10, he told DHS investigators that his mother would leave to buy drugs and refused medical care out of fear she would test positive for methamphetamine. The situation continued to deteriorate, with reports of Caden not having food or utilities at home, leading him to stay with friends.
Henckel’s actions on the day of Caden’s death further illustrated the neglectful nature of their relationship. The day after the overdose, she arrived at the Stillwater Police Department and spoke with detectives. Henckel admitted to leaving Caden alone at home while she used drugs with friends. When she returned home, she found Caden unresponsive in his bed and ran to a neighbor’s house for help. During her interview with investigators, it was apparent that Henckel was under the influence of methamphetamine. Despite the gravity of the situation, she showed little emotion while discussing her son’s death.
Caden’s life was marked by neglect and isolation. His school attendance was reportedly poor, with one officer describing it as “atrocious.” Caden’s girlfriend, who had been in a relationship with him for several months, revealed that he often went without food, had no supervision, and was allowed to drink alcohol and use drugs regularly. Henckel, she claimed, was often the one purchasing alcohol and marijuana for Caden, contributing to his unhealthy lifestyle.
The investigation into Caden’s death revealed a chilling reality. Caden had been left to fend for himself in an environment where drugs were prevalent, and his basic needs were neglected. An autopsy confirmed that fentanyl intoxication was the cause of death, a tragic outcome that could have been prevented if Caden had been given the proper care and guidance.
This case serves as a reminder of the consequences of neglect and substance abuse, especially when it involves vulnerable children. The Oklahoma DHS has called the situation a “profound tragedy,” but it is limited in what it can publicly say about the case. Nevertheless, authorities have stressed that the situation could have been avoided. Caden’s death was not just the result of addiction but also the result of systemic failures to protect a child in need. The arrest of Henckel in late November 2024 is a stark reminder of the consequences of parental neglect, and the ongoing investigation continues to unfold.
Caden’s obituary paints a picture of a young boy who loved basketball, music, and spending time at the lake. His life, however brief, was marked by a longing for love and acceptance, especially from his mother. Sadly, this desire was never fully realized, and the tragic end to his life highlights the devastating effects of neglect and substance abuse.
