Mother Of 15-Year-Old Fasting Death Victim Pleads Guilty

Authorities say the mother of the 15-year-old Reedsburg boy who died during a 40-day fast in September pleaded guilty today (Thursday) to one of her charges. Prosecutors say 48-year-old Titilayo Omosebi pleaded guilty to felony child neglect causing death. Her felony charge of child neglect causing great bodily harm was dismissed. Reedsburg police say the boy’s father, 49-year-old Kehinde S. Omosebi, reported his son’s death in September. Police then responded to the home where they had to force entry because the doors were padlocked from the inside. officers found 15-year-old Ayanfe O. Omosebi “extremely emaciated” and dead. They also found an 11-year-old in similarly thin and weak conditions but still alive. The child was taken to the Reedsburg Area Medical Center for treatment and placed into protective custody. Police say Titilayo Omosebi, was responsive but was also emaciated. She refused medical treatment because of religious reasons. Kehinde Omosebi described himself to police as a religious minister affiliated with Cornerstone Reformation Ministries. He said his family had started a fast on July 19th that would continue for 40 days.