RAPID CITY, SD – A South Dakota woman has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after admitting to the severe neglect of her disabled son, who weighed only 80 pounds at the time of his death. Naomia Prairie, 40, faced charges of child abuse and the neglect of a disabled adult following the tragic death of her 18-year-old son, Donny Merrival.
The Pennington County State’s Attorney’s Office revealed the sentence in a statement, highlighting that Prairie’s son had been a quadriplegic since age 14. At the time of his death, he was suffering from extreme malnourishment and neglect, described by the examining doctor as appearing like a “Holocaust victim.”
Prosecutors painted a grim picture of the young man’s final days, stating he was left to deteriorate in a motel room where his family had been staying. Gina Nelson, Chief Deputy State’s Attorney, explained that Prairie fled the scene following her son’s death on March 3, 2024, without alerting police.
Prior to his return to his mother’s custody, Merrival had reportedly thrived in the care of the Department of Social Services. His decline commenced upon his return to Prairie. His younger sibling, just seven years old, also suffered in this environment, having never been enrolled in school and allegedly being exposed to methamphetamine by adults around him.
Authorities emphasized the severity of the neglect, describing it as some of the worst they have encountered. Nelson called the case “egregious,” noting that both children were heavily reliant on Prairie for basic needs and were tragically failed.
The sentencing was delivered by Seventh Circuit Court Judge Joshua Hendrickson, who found the details of the case both “haunting” and “shocking.” Judge Hendrickson imposed the maximum penalty for each charge—10 years for child abuse and an additional two years for the neglect of a disabled adult. These terms will be served consecutively.
Nelson provided a glimmer of hope, stating the younger child has shown improvement since being removed from Prairie’s care, signaling some recovery and a chance for a better future.
Though justice was served with Prairie’s sentencing, the profound loss and trauma remain a somber focal point for those involved, underscoring the critical importance of protecting vulnerable individuals from neglect and abuse.