Couple charged with murder in son’s death receives new court date

JACKSBORO, TN. (WLAF)- A couple facing first degree murder charges will next appear in court on Sept. 15.

Heather Renea Allen, 44, 2938 Cedar Creek Rd., LaFollette and her husband, Brian Neil Allen, 46, 2938 Cedar Creek Rd., LaFollette were charged with first degree murder after they allegedly failed to seek medical attention for their intellectually disabled son.

They are each free on a $100,000 bond.

The weeks leading up to Tanner Ausmus’ death were rife with neglect at the hands of the people in charge of his care.

On Oct. 24, 2023, Ausmus, 19, fell following a seizure, according to his autopsy report. He struck his head in the course of the fall and “remained bedridden for several days,” the report said. While Ausmus was incapacitated, laying in a camper, he had “decreased water intake and food intake,” and received no medical care.

Eight days later, on Oct. 31, 2023, was his last reported food or water intake, the report said.  For another week after that, Ausmus was, who was incapable of helping himself, remained bedridden.

On Nov. 7, 2023, his mother found him cold and presenting with blueish purple lips, according  to the autopsy report. That is when she called for medical assistance.

After being airlifted from the Cedar Creek Bridge, Ausmus was hospitalized. He died two days later on Nov. 9, 2023.

The autopsy report revealed Ausmus had suffered from swelling of the brain, respiratory failure and dehydration. Along with these conditions, the 19-year-old’s muscles had started to break down, releasing toxins into his system. His kidneys and liver failed as well, according to the report.

Ausmus was neglected after he fell which complicated his epilepsy. The absence of food, water and no medical care following the seizure induced fall prompted the medical examiner to rule the young man’s death a homicide.

On Feb. 26, the grand jury handed down a sealed indictment charging the Allens with first degree murder and aggravated neglect of an elderly/vulnerable adult with serious bodily injury.

(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED 8/14/2025-6AM)