A Nebraska mother has been sentenced to probation following the suffocation death of her four-month-old son, which occurred while she was at work and her boyfriend was caring for the child. Ashlen Zitel, 28, pleaded guilty in December 2024, several months after the tragic incident on August 15, 2024.
Court documents reveal that Zitel’s boyfriend, Austin Meyn, 27, was looking after her two children while she was at work. Meyn allegedly became agitated with the infant’s crying and swaddled him in blankets, placing him face-down on a mattress. The documents suggest that Meyn hoped the baby would fall asleep in this position.
Zitel, according to the documents, sent a text message to Meyn indicating that it was not necessary to place the baby on his back. The affidavit states that Zitel did not seem to question Meyn’s methods, including the fact that the baby’s oxygen levels were being deliberately reduced due to his face-down position and inability to roll over.
Meyn later contacted Zitel to inform her that the baby was unresponsive. Upon returning home and finding the baby on his back, Zitel attempted to perform CPR. When her efforts proved unsuccessful, paramedics were called. The baby was transported to Beatrice Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The court documents also noted that the baby had facial and head bruising. An autopsy revealed multiple injuries, including head hemorrhages and broken ribs, symptoms consistent with shaken baby syndrome.
Zitel received a sentence of six years probation and was ordered to serve 120 days in jail, to be served in 30-day increments between 2027 and 2030. The court may consider waiving her confinement. Zitel’s sentence also pertains to charges from a separate sexual assault case.
Meyn has been charged with child abuse resulting in death. He pleaded not guilty at his most recent court appearance and remains in custody. His next court date is scheduled for May 6.