NORTON SHORES, Mich. — Police found a dead teenage boy in Norton Shores and arrested the boy's mother for open murder.
Officers were called to the area of Marshall Road and Cherry Avenue Wednesday morning on reports of a suspicious death when the discovery was made, according to the Norton Shores Police Department (NSPD).
The Muskegon County Prosecutor's Office says 43-year-old Shanda Vander Ark, the boy's mother, was arrested for open murder. She has since been taken to the Muskegon County Jail, authorities say.
We’re told the teen was severely malnourished and displayed signs of abuse.
The prosecutor also told FOX 17 that the teenage boy had special needs. His mother is accused of punishing him by feeding him bread with hot sauce and making him take ice cold baths.
“Seemed like she was just, you know, I mean, she's really to herself a lot,” a neighbor who asked not to be named told FOX 17 Friday.
“She doesn't come out much, kids don't come out often at all.... I’ve talked to her once or twice when my kids were out playing.”
Neighbors say she typically kept to herself, and lived in the home with several of her children.
NSPD asks witnesses to connect with police at 231-733-2691.
Others with information are asked to call the above number, 911 or Silent Observer at 231-722-7463.
