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Wlaf1450By SUSAN SHARP
JACKSBORO, TN. (WLAF)- First degree murder charges have been filed against a LaFollette couple after they failed to seek medical attention for their intellectually disabled son.
Heather Renea Allen, 44, 2938 Cedar Creek Rd., LaFollette and her husband, Brian Neil Allen, 46, 2938 Cedar Creek Rd., LaFollette, were arrested last week on a sealed indictment. They are currently in jail, each 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.
They are expected to be arraigned in criminal court this morning. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED 3/10/2025-6AM)
A case worth keeping an eye on.
Their willful neglect of this poor child is beyond the pale.
These animals have no regard for human life, rights or dignity.
They deserve nothing less than the death penalty.
They don’t want me on the jury I believe in death penalty