In a disturbing incident from Pennsylvania, a 44-year-old mother, A. Stahlman, has been arrested after refusing urgent medical treatment for her 11-year-old son.
The boy suffered a severe brain injury after an ATV crash but was sent to school the very next day despite doctors’ warnings. Authorities say the mother’s decision put her son’s life at risk and led to serious charges against her.
What Happened After the ATV Crash?
On April 13, the boy was involved in an accident while riding an off-road ATV, suffering a retroclival hematoma, a dangerous brain bleed near the base of the skull common in children after trauma.
Stahlman took her son to a hospital, where doctors quickly identified the severity of his injury. Medical staff said he needed immediate transfer to a children’s hospital in another city for specialized care. They also stressed that the boy must stay in a neck brace, avoid physical activities for 12 weeks, and receive expert evaluation.
Mother Refused Medical Advice
Despite doctors’ urgent recommendations, Stahlman refused the airlift transfer and signed her son out of the hospital against medical advice.
Shockingly, before leaving the hospital parking lot, she removed her son’s IV and neck brace, ignoring explicit warnings from medical staff.
Instead of seeking proper care, Stahlman sent her son to school the next day.
Son’s Condition Worsens at School
At school, the boy showed signs of serious illness, including a severe headache and vomiting twice. School staff immediately arranged for medical help, and the boy was airlifted to the children’s hospital—the very place doctors had advised a day earlier.
Medical teams worked urgently to stabilize the boy. Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania State Police launched an investigation into the mother’s actions.
Father Left in the Dark
Authorities said the boy’s father was not informed of the injury or hospital’s recommendations until the school contacted him about his son’s worsening symptoms.
Charges Filed Against the Mother
On May 15, Stahlman was arrested and charged with:
- Child endangerment
- Reckless endangerment
Prosecutors stated that Stahlman’s knowing disregard for her son’s safety violated her duty of care under Pennsylvania law. The boy’s injury and subsequent risk clearly meet the legal standard for these charges.
She was booked with $150,000 bail and remains in jail. Her next court hearing is set for May 28. There is no information yet about her defense counsel.
Community Reacts
The case shocked the local community, with many calling it entirely preventable.
“The mother was clearly told what needed to be done,” said a source familiar with the case. “Ignoring medical advice put the child’s life in grave danger.”
The boy continues to recover at the children’s hospital. Officials have not shared further updates on his condition.
Possible Legal Outcomes
If convicted, Stahlman could face significant prison time for endangering her child.