Mother, who put her 14-year-old son’s “life in danger” as he was hospitalized weighing 49 pounds, claimed she didn’t know he required immediate health care; arrested

Georgia – In a disturbing incident in Georgia that drew nationwide attention, a 44-year-old mother, identified as H. Yehudah, has been arrested after she put her 14-year-old son’s “life in danger” as authorities discovered the young boy weighing only 49 pounds and in critical condition.

The mother has been charged with second-degree child cruelty after allegedly ignoring repeated pleas from doctors to seek urgent medical treatment for her son. She remains in the county jail without bond as prosecutors prepare their case.

The case began when a pediatric gastroenterologist contacted the police department on July 25, saying Yehudah had refused to take her son to the hospital despite lab results showing he was in critical condition. According to an incident report, Yehudah had been avoiding phone calls from the hospital and the doctor’s office, leaving them unanswered. When officers arrived at the apartment, the boy’s brother answered the door and directed them to a bedroom. Inside, they found the teen extremely underweight, in a severe state, and lying on a towel on the bed.

Confronted by police, Yehudah claimed she had not realized the urgency of her son’s condition. She reportedly told officers she had wanted to “get his iron up first” before seeking hospital care. She later added,  she didn’t know he required immediate health care. Paramedics insisted the boy’s situation was an emergency, telling her that the children’s hospital was the best-equipped facility to treat him.

Neighbors expressed disbelief, saying they had never seen the boy and were unaware of his condition. One of the neighbors said: “I tell you, this community here is a community full of people that love and look out for each other’s kids. And unfortunately, it looked like one slipped through our hands and we weren’t able to see that or we weren’t aware of that.”

The Division of Family and Children Services was called to the scene, and the boy was immediately transported to the hospital. Officials later confirmed that he is now in stable condition but remains in state custody. Yehudah remains in custody without bond. Prosecutors describe her actions as severe medical neglect that endangered her son’s life. The case continues as doctors and investigators work to ensure the boy’s long-term safety.