February 4, 2005
Huntsville, Alabama
Natashay Ward is arrested for the starving deaths of her 3 children

The bodies of Shanieka (11), Latricia (9), and Christopher Ward (8) were found on the floor of 3 separate bedrooms. They had not attended school since the holiday break and the utilities had been disconnected since mid-January. The family was also facing eviction from their apartment. Family members had attempted to visit, as had the Alabama Department of Human Resources, but Natashay had refused to allow anyone inside the apartment.

It was reported the children had been dead for a week before their bodies were found. Natashay reportedly confessed that she had attempted to feed her unresponsive and weak children but they were unable to eat, so she sent money to various religious organizations asking them to pray for her children’s health.

At trial, Natashay took a plea deal, found guilty of reckless murder (murder by failure to act) and was given a sentence of 3 consecutive life terms.