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A West Virginia mother faces serious charges following an incident that could have killed her 6-year-old son. Deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the Unity Terrace Apartments on August 10, 2026, after receiving a call about an injured child.
The 6-year-old boy, who has autism, reportedly jumped from a second-story window under the supervision of his mother, 30-year-old Stevie Thibodeaux. When emergency responders took the child to an area hospital, he tested positive for drugs. Now Thibodeaux faces charges.
Thibodeaux reportedly told police she fell asleep before her son jumped.
According to court documents obtained by WDTV, Thibodeaux reportedly spoke to police at the scene and explained that she’d fallen asleep.
Thibodeaux apparently showed deputies additional childproof locks on the doors that she claimed to use to keep the child safe. The window he jumped through apparently did not have a screen. It’s unclear when the screen was removed.
The boy tested positive for cocaine.
After emergency responders took the boy to Ruby Memorial Hospital for evaluation, a test came back positive for cocaine in his system. Child Protective Services notified the sheriff’s department about the positive test, which prompted a more thorough investigation.
Police obtained a search warrant for the family’s apartment and reportedly found drugs inside. Deputies noted locating a plate with a food stamp card, a device used to ingest drugs, and a white powder inside the apartment. Thibodeaux allegedly admitted that she used cocaine and put the plate in her closet.
The story created mixed emotions online.
Some felt for Thibodeaux as a mother raising a child with autism. “As an autistic parent this is not uncommon but as for the drugs who tested positive? Autistic kids elope, it’s sad and the scariest thing ever,” someone shared on social media.
Others thought that Thibodeaux’s mugshot made her look like she’d been inconvenienced by the entire situation.
“The look on her face looks like she is bothered by this,” one person wrote. “I hope the child is alright.”
“Her face says it all,” another person commented. “Smh I hope the child is with someone to care for them properly. Her face has ‘the Imma do this again written all over it.’”
Others felt that Thibodeaux herself needed help to get off drugs and get her life in order.
“This woman needs a lot of medical help and go through withdrawal. I hope she’s in jail long enough to get the help she needs and I pray that little girl or a boy will be fine and God sends the healing touch to all of them,” a comment reads.
It appears CPS took custody of Thibodeaux’s children.
According to one comment, the children are currently in the care of another woman. “If anyone has size 5t-6t boys clothes and size 1 shoes or toys appropriate for 6 year olds they can spare please reach out to me . I know the woman these kids were placed with and they came with nothing!” Someone wrote.
Deputies arrested Thibodeaux, who faces one count of child neglect creating a risk of serious injury or death. She was booked in the North Central Regional Jail. It’s unclear when she’ll appear in court next or if she’s obtained legal representation. The incident remains under investigation.
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