BEATRICE, NE – A Nebraska mother received a probation sentence following the tragic suffocation death of her infant, allegedly caused by her boyfriend.
Ashlen Zitel, 28, submitted a guilty plea in December after her 4-month-old son died on August 15, 2024. Authorities reported that her boyfriend, Austin Meyn, 27, was left to care for the children while Zitel was at work that fateful day.
Documents from the case state that Meyn grew frustrated with the baby’s crying. Allegedly, in an attempt to quiet the child, he swaddled him tightly in blankets and placed him face-down on a mattress, hoping exhaustion would make him fall asleep. Zitel reportedly texted Meyn, suggesting it wasn’t necessary to lay the infant on his back, indicating awareness of the risky situation.
The affidavit highlights that Zitel seemed unconcerned with Meyn’s dangerous methods, even though she was cognizant of her son’s reduced oxygen levels due to his position, which prevented him from rolling over.
The distressing sequence continued as Meyn contacted Zitel to notify her that the baby was unresponsive. Upon her arrival home, Zitel found her son lying on his back and unsuccessfully attempted CPR. Emergency responders were called, and the baby was taken to Beatrice Community Hospital, where he was ultimately pronounced dead.
A subsequent autopsy revealed the child suffered from bruising on his face and head, hemorrhages in several areas of the head, and broken ribs. The findings pointed to injuries aligned with shaken baby syndrome.
In addition to a six-year probation sentence, Zitel was ordered to serve 120 days in jail, distributed over four years, beginning in 2027. However, the court holds the option to waive this confinement. Her sentence also reflects charges stemming from a separate sexual assault case.
Meyn, charged with child abuse resulting in death, the 27-year-old maintains his innocence in the child’s death and has pleaded not guilty. For now, Meyn remains in custody, with his next court appearance scheduled for May 6.