Mom charged in death of son with autism

GRAND JUNCTION, Mich. (WOOD) - The death of a 25-year-old with autism in 2011 was ruled a homicide, and his mother was arrested Thursday in connection with his death.

On July 2, 2011, emergency personnel from Columbia Township went to a residence in the 54000 block of County Road 384 to help 25-year-old Chad Jackson. He died.

A lengthy investigation led the Van Buren County prosecutor's office to call his death a crime.

His mother, 42-year-old Yodi Andrenita Jackson, was arrested on a felony murder warrant, according to Michigan State Police Records.

She was arraigned the same day on charges of second-degree murder and second-degree felony abuse. Court records reviewed by 24 Hour News 8 indicate she starved her son to death.

The Vulnerable Adult Abuse charge stems from, court records show, Jackson's "Failure to insure that he (the victim) receive proper nutrition , hydration and or medical care."

"I just found out. I'm really at awe," said Jackson's friend Manda Diskin. "I can't believe they found enough to charge her with murder."

Diskin showed 24 Hour News 8 photos of her and Jackson -- who also goes by Annie --- playing with their children, including Chad, at a barbecue last summer. Chad died not long after the photos were taken.

"I've observed Annie with him and thought she was a great mom," said Diskin. "It's very challenging with a special needs kid, but she never seemed to lose her cool with him."

Diskin said she was told Chad died in his sleep at his home.

Friends don't believe the allegations against Jackson.

"These kids have a lot of ailments that people don't know," said Diskin. "Without speaking, they can't always tell you that they're in pain. Not having a verbal way to tell someone that you're hurting. That could happen to anyone with a special needs kid."

Chad was the oldest of three children, 24 Hour News 8 was told.

Those who know the family said they'll hold off judgments until all the evidence surfaces in court.

Jackson posted 10% of a $10,000 bond and was released Thursday. 24 Hour News 8 tried but was unable to contact Jackson for comment.

24 Hour News 8's Crystal Hilliard and Joe LaFurgey contributed to this report.