Tennessee Mother Accused of Starving 13-Year-Old Son With Cerebral Palsy to Death, Leaving Him Weighing Just 35 Pounds

CLARKSVILLE, TENNESSEE — A Tennessee mother accused of starving her 13-year-old son with cerebral palsy until he died weighing just 35 pounds is now on trial for first-degree murder and aggravated child neglect, prosecutors said this week.

35-year-old Cheyenne Maddox allegedly deprived her son, Kadaris Maddox, of food and medical care, leaving him “just skin and bones” when first responders found him dead inside the family’s Virginia Terrace home on July 6, 2022, according to Clarksville Police and court testimony.

Prosecutors told jurors that Kadaris — who was cognitively aware and “hopeful about his future,” according to his doctor — died of starvation and malnutrition in conditions described as “inhumane.”

“It was almost as if his skin was wrapped around his bones,” Assistant District Attorney Mary O’Connor said during opening statements.

Child Found Dead in Filthy Home

When officers arrived at the residence, they found the home filled with trash and clutter, with floors completely covered, according to Clarksville Now. Kadaris’ bedroom contained only a mattress, pillow, comforter, drying rack, and some electronics.

Detectives described seeing a weathered wheelchair sitting unused in the yard.

Officer Joshua Clegg, the first to respond, testified that multiple children answered the door when he arrived. He said the 13-year-old’s body was “emaciated” and that he could barely recognize him as a healthy child.

The medical examiner later confirmed the cause of death as starvation, adding that the boy had lost over 10 pounds since his last doctor’s visit, when he weighed 47 pounds.

Doctor: ‘He Was Optimistic About His Future’

Kadaris had cerebral palsy, but doctors said he was mentally sharp and full of life. He reportedly loved interacting with others and remained optimistic despite his challenges.

Family members and investigators said Maddox offered no reasonable explanation for his severe decline, and prosecutors allege she systematically neglected his care, leaving him to die in extreme malnutrition.

Mother Faces Death Penalty if Convicted

Maddox was initially charged with five counts of aggravated child neglect related to the unsafe living conditions of her other children. After posting bond for those offenses, she was later charged with first-degree murder for Kadaris’ death.

If convicted, she faces life imprisonment or the death penalty under Tennessee law.

Her mother, Dawn Maddox, has publicly condemned her daughter’s actions while mourning her grandson.

“It’s hard to say how I feel because that is my daughter and I love her. How could she do something like this? Because he was a good baby,” Dawn said.

A memorial service held in November 2022 drew dozens of community members who described Kadaris as a joyful child whose “smile could light up a room.”

Emotional Trial Leaves Jurors in Tears

During the trial, jurors were shown graphic autopsy photos of the boy’s frail body, prompting several to wipe away tears in court. Prosecutors said the images reflected the “unimaginable suffering” Kadaris endured before his death.

The trial resumed Wednesday as the state continues to present evidence.

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