A Michigan man who pleaded guilty to starving his disabled brother to death was sentenced Monday to a minimum of 30 years in prison, saying the defendant was “on the verge of becoming a psychopath.”
Paul Ferguson, 21, pleaded guilty in December to first-degree child abuse in the death of 15-year-old Timothy Ferguson. He was sentenced Monday to a minimum of 30 years and a maximum of 100 years in prison.
Timothy Ferguson, who had autism and speech and motor disabilities, weighed just 69 pounds when he died in July 2022 at his family’s home in Norton Shores, West Michigan. announced by the authorities.
Michigan woman sentenced to life in prison without parole for starving her disabled son to death
The brothers’ mother, Shanda Vander Ark, 44, of Norton Shores, was sentenced to life without parole in January after a jury found her guilty of murder and child abuse in the teen’s death. He was sentenced to life imprisonment.
A man who pleaded guilty to starving his disabled brother to death has been sentenced. He will receive at least 30 years in prison.
Muskegon County Circuit Judge Matthew Cassel said Paul Ferguson does not regret the abusive punishment he and his mother used, including the ice baths that led to Timothy Ferguson’s death. He said he didn’t think so.
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“The court believes Mr. Ferguson is on the verge of becoming a psychopath like his mother,” Cassel said during Monday’s hearing, the Grand Rapids Press reported.
Prosecutors say Paul Ferguson and Vander Ark punished Timothy Ferguson by giving him hot sauce, subjecting him to ice baths, depriving him of sleep and locking his refrigerator and pantry. He died of malnutrition and hypothermia.
Muskegon County Chief Prosecutor Matt Roberts said Paul Ferguson poses a threat to the public if he does not receive mental health treatment while incarcerated.
