by A Michigan mother is facing life in prison after her 4-year-old son died from severe malnutrition in 2024. Authorities say the boy weighed only 10 pounds at the time of his death.
The mother, Jessica Marie Burke, 39, has been charged with felony first-degree child abuse.
What Happened
On October 18, 2024, Bay City police responded to a 911 call from Jessica Burke. She reported finding her son, Noah Burke, unresponsive in their home on McKinley Avenue.
Emergency responders arrived and attempted to revive the child. Unfortunately, Noah was pronounced dead later that day.
Key Details
An autopsy concluded that Noah died due to severe calorie malnutrition, which led to extreme emaciation and failure to thrive. The death was ruled a homicide.
Court documents revealed that Noah had special needs, including a condition called Esophageal Dysphasia, which severely impacted his ability to swallow and eat normally.
At the time of his death, Noah weighed only 10 pounds — a quarter of the average weight for a healthy 4-year-old.
Reactions or Statements
Bay County Prosecutor Michael Kanuszewski acknowledged the complexity of the case.
“She had her hands full. He was a difficult child to care for,” Kanuszewski said. “But how could anyone allow this to happen? This is why it’s so tragic. Nobody wins in a case like this, regardless of the outcome.”
Investigation or What’s Next
Burke has been charged with first-degree child abuse, which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment under Michigan law.
She appeared in court for her arraignment, where the judge set a $250,000 cash-surety bond.
Authorities are continuing their investigation, particularly into how long Noah may have been neglected and whether additional charges may follow.
FAQs
Q: What was the cause of Noah Burke’s death?
A: He died of extreme malnutrition and complications due to starvation, according to the autopsy.
Q: What medical condition did Noah have?
A: He suffered from Esophageal Dysphasia, which affected his ability to swallow and eat properly.
Q: What charges is Jessica Burke facing?
A: She is charged with felony first-degree child abuse, which can result in life imprisonment.
Q: What did the prosecutor say about the case?
A: Prosecutor Kanuszewski described it as a tragic situation where “nobody wins,” acknowledging both the difficulty of care and the severity of the neglect.
Q: What’s next in the legal process?
A: Burke’s case will proceed through the court system, starting with hearings and possibly a trial if no plea is entered.
Summary / Final Takeaway
The heartbreaking case of 4-year-old Noah Burke’s death has stunned the Bay City community.
With his mother now facing life in prison, the tragedy raises critical questions about child welfare, caregiving support for special needs children, and early intervention.
