Michigan woman sentenced to life in prison in starvation death of son
Associated PressMUSKEGON, Mich. — A western Michigan woman convicted of murder and child abuse in the starvation death of a disabled 15-year-old son who weighed just 69 pounds was sentenced to life in prison without a chance of parole Tuesday. Shanda Vander Ark, 44, of Norton Shores, found guilty in the July 6, 2022, death of Timothy Ferguson, was sentenced to an additional 50 to 100 years in prison for first-degree child abuse. Nolan Ferguson, the victim’s brother, testified “if I can’t have my brother back” his mother “shouldn’t have her freedom back.” Vander Ark, wearing orange jail togs, declined to speak when given the chance and instead shook her head to indicate “no.” Vander Ark’s attorney, Fred Johnson, said his client brought Timothy into her home while working as a single mother who was putting herself through school and the difficulties that came with it. “We’re not looking at evil, we’re looking at sick.” Paul Ferguson, another brother of the victim, was also charged with first-degree child abuse in the case.
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