Foster Mom Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison for Murdering Boy, 10, Who Begged Neighbor to Adopt Him Before His Death

Mar. 15, 2025

Dakota Levi Stevens.Photo:Geisen Funeral Homes

Geisen Funeral Homes

An Indiana foster mom has been sentenced for killing a 10-year-old boy in her care.

Jennifer Wilson was sentenced to six years in prison, with one year suspended to be served on probation, on Friday, Jan. 17, over the April 2024death of her foster son Dakota Stevens, according toLaw & Crime,NBC ChicagoandCBS News.

Wilson, 48, previously pleaded guilty to the charge of reckless homicide in October 2024, the outlets reported.

Police car lights (stock image).Getty

Getty

After police noted bruising on Stevens' neck and chest at the scene of the crime, Wilson admitted to lying on top of the boy for five minutes for “acting bad,” WGN, NBC Chicago and CBS Chicago reported in April, citing a probable cause affidavit.

Half an hour before emergency service arrived, Stevens reportedly ran to a neighbor’s house and asked them to adopt him, the outlets added.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up forPEOPLE’s free True Crime newsletterfor breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

According to authorities, Stevens was 4 foot 10 inches tall and weighed 90 pounds at the time of his death. Wilson, meanwhile, was 4 foot 11 inches and weighed 340 pounds, per Law & Crime.

source: people.com