What to Know
Skyler Wilson was just four years old when he died from a hypoxic-ischemic brain injury on January 9, 2023, at a North Carolina Hospital. Just days before, Skyler’s adoptive father, Mouth Airy Chiropractor Joseph Paul Wilson, came home for lunch and saw the toddler duct taped to the floor. His wife, Jodi Wilson, reportedly restrained Skyler face down on the floor as a form of discipline.
Hours after returning to work, she frantically contacted her husband to come home. While removing the restraints, Jodi Wilson found Skyler unresponsive and needed her husband’s help. Skyler died, and now his adoptive parents will spend decades in prison for his murder.
Joseph Wilson called 911 for help.
According to the Mount Airy News, Joseph Wilson rushed home and called 911 following his wife’s frantic phone call. When first responders arrived on January 5, they rushed Skyler to Brenner’s Children’s Hospital in Winston-Salem.
The unresponsive child remained hospitalized until he was removed from life support four days later. Police immediately began investigating the Wilsons and found some disturbing things.
The couple reportedly implemented discipline strategies for adoptive parents.
Court documents show Joseph and Jodi Wilson claimed they’d read books about discipline for adopted children and used techniques from those books.
“However, the investigation further revealed that the practices used by the Wilsons exceeded the practices in the books by escalating to the use of duct tape and prolonged physical restraint of Skyler,” per the Surry County District Attorney’s Office.
On January 5, Jodi Wilson reportedly wrapped Skyler in a bed sheet and restrained him face down on the floor with duct tape. Her husband not only knew of her plans, but purchased materials to help restrain Skyler.
Jodi Wilson knew things went too far.
Per court documents, when Jodi Wilson finally removed the restraints, she knew Skyler was hurt. She messaged her Joseph Wilson, “Hurry home, I think I have hurt him.”
An autopsy revealed the child died from a hypoxic-ischemic brain injury due to inadequate oxygen supply and blood flow due to asphyxia from prolonged restraint.
“The autopsy also found that a condition called ‘starvation ketoacidosis’ was a contributing factor. Skyler was undernourished, and that made him weaker and less able to survive the prolonged physical restraint,” the district attorney’s office said.
Loved ones will never forget Skyler.
According to his obituary, Skyler had an infectious smile, big heart, and loved to give big hugs.
“Skyler loved to play outside and steal a sucker every chance he got. He loved his siblings and everyone he met. Skyler is survived by one biological brother; his previous foster family; his grandparents; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; and several special family friends,” his obituary reads.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation reported Joseph Wilson and Jodi Wilson pleaded guilty to second-degree murder charges on July 8, 2026. The couple each received 25 to 31 years in prison, but will receive credit for the 1,272 days already spent in custody.
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