The Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) alerted investigators in Alabama on February 21, 2024, to potential abuse and neglect involving a severely disabled, nonverbal young woman.
According to an official press release from Gadsden Police, authorities discovered the young woman in a severe condition when they visited her and her mother’s home on Sligo Road in the Egypt Community. She had many pressure sores, a badly managed feeding tube, and was having trouble breathing. Emergency responders transported her to the Intensive Care Unit at UAB Medical Center.
DHR proceeded quickly and filed for emergency guardianship in Etowah County Probate Court. Shana Bennett, 37, of Alabama, admitted neglecting her crippled daughter during a hearing on February 20, 2025.
Bennett was charged with Class B felony neglect of a dependent following the hearing, according to ABC 33 News. She was arrested and booked into the Etowah County Detention Center, where her bond was set at $20,000.
“This is an incredibly sad case of neglect involving someone who relied completely on others for care,” said Sheriff Horton. “We are thankful for the quick response from DHR and our investigators to ensure Savannah gets the care she desperately needs.”
