Sentenced: Abilene mother guilty of starving her child to death

There was hardly a dry eye in the courthouse Friday in 350th District Court when a mother was sentenced for starving to death her toddler born with a disorder requiring a feeding tube.

Teliea Thomas was back in court after being handed a guilty sentence just before Christmas. Thomas was found guilty of injury to a child in connection with the death of her 22-month-old son, Dairess Fuller Jr.

Judge Thomas Wheeler of the 350th District heard witness testimony from LaMeka Lowe, Fuller's aunt, and also from Thomas herself. Wheeler decided in a matter of minutes to sentence Thomas to life in prison.

Thomas starved her son, called "Junior" by his family, in what appeared to be an attempt to shield herself and her growing fetus from the COVID-19 pandemic.

'Appeared emaciated'

On May 22, 2020, the Abilene Police Department responded to an emergency call about an "injured subject" in northern Abilene, according to court documents.

When officers arrived at the scene, they found the toddler, who "appeared emaciated and had bruises under his eyes," with a "G-tube" in his stomach. The child was pronounced dead at the scene.

In the follow-up investigation, detectives discovered that Fuller was born prematurely July 28, 2018, and was removed by Childhood Protective Services in October 2018.

Junior was placed with his aunt, LaMeka Lowe, where she discovered that he "had trouble swallowing." He was then diagnosed with subglottic stenosis and subsequently received a G-tube to assist with feeding.

As a result of the diagnosis, Fuller required 24-hour care, and nurses resided in the home with the family. Fuller was also referred to speech, occupational, and physical therapy services. After living with Lowe, the child began to thrive and put on weight.

Some time later, Lowe allowed her half-sister Thomas to reside in the home with them, even taking Thomas to the hospital to receive training on how to care for Fuller and use his medical equipment.

According to court documents, however, Thomas took Fuller and her two other children Sept. 17, 2019, while Lowe was at an appointment and moved them all back to Abilene.

'Concerns over COVID-19 and her pregnancy'

Court documents show that shortly after arrival to Abilene, Thomas took her son to Dr. Brent Steadman on Oct. 2, 2019. At that visit, Fuller weighed 18.6 pounds, and was referred to the West Texas Rehabilitation Center for speech, occupational and physical therapy services.

Thomas, however, never went back for a check-up with Steadman.

Thomas later took Fuller to West Texas Rehab on Jan. 21, 2020. The team developed a plan for the child, which included "recommended feeding therapy."

Thomas, however, did not return for follow-up visits and requested a discharge, citing COVID-19 concerns and issues with her pregnancy.

In the follow-up investigation, the medical examiner discovered Fuller's cause of death was "homicide due to malnutrition." The autopsy revealed Fuller's weight at the time of his death was 15.8 pounds.

'I forgive you, so we can heal.'

When Lowe took the stand Friday in 350th District Court, it was easy to see how her grief has affected her in the years since Fuller's passing.

On the stand, Lowe recounted how she raised Fuller and even moved closer to the hospital to better access all of the treatment he required on a weekly basis. Lowe also allowed nursing staff to move into her home so Fuller could have 24-hour care.

While observers in court wiped their eyes, Thomas sat emotionless and barely looked at her half-sister throughout Lowe's testimony.

With tears in her eyes, Lowe noted with his death, Fuller saved his three other siblings who now permanently reside with her.

Despite the strong words for her half-sister, Lowe ended her testimony with tears in her eyes by telling Thomas, "I forgive you, so we can heal."

'I honestly thought I could handle it on my own.'

When the defense called Thomas to the stand, she spoke flatly and without emotion for the majority of the time.

Under oath, she said one of her children had previously been found with three types of drugs in her hair. As a result, Lowe had taken custody of Thomas' children.

While Thomas did recount that she had received training to care for Fuller, when she spoke of taking Fuller back to Abilene, she simply said, "I honestly thought I could handle it on my own."

When it was time for cross-examination, Taylor County Assistant District Attorney Dan Joiner steadily hammered Thomas with many questions surrounding Fuller's lack of medical treatment and malnutrition.

Joiner was quick to point out that Thomas had attended several prenatal checkups during her pregnancy but had failed to take Fuller for any follow ups with Steadman or West Texas Rehab.

Joiner then brought up text messages which Thomas sent to her partner, Dairess Fuller Sr., saying that she was done with the child's crying, and the boy would no longer be getting any love from her.

At this point, Lowe hung her head as tears streamed down her face.

Throughout Thomas' testimony, Wheeler had a stern look on his face as Thomas repeatedly said she was just sorry and selfish.

Sentencing in a matter of minutes

In the defense lawyer's closing remarks, he asked Judge Wheeler to "have some mercy."

When Joiner spoke, however, he emphasized the CPS report had asked for Thomas to "get the electric chair," and "she should not see the light of day."

Throughout Joiner's closing remarks, one could hear the sniffles in the courtroom, and the Reporter-News witnessed a court bailiff wipe a tear from his eye.

All the while, Thomas sat still and emotionless. The only sounds were of her quietly shaking her chains as she waited for the judgement.

Within minutes of both the defense and prosecution resting, Wheeler sentenced Thomas would to life in prison to the happy shouts of Lowe and family.

Following the sentencing, Lowe stood outside the Taylor County Courthouse for a balloon release in the child's honor. She was joined by investigators, detectives, and Joiner, as they released "baby shark" themed balloons.

It was an emotional moment as the sun shined brightly upon the crowd.

While Thomas has received a life sentence, she will be eligible for parole after 35 years, according to Assistant District Attorney Erin Stamey.

The toddler's father, on the other hand, is expected to be in court in April for a jury trial. He is facing a similar charge of first-degree injury to a child.

It remains to be seen if he will take a plea deal after seeing Thomas' sentence to life in prison. All suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Sentenced: Abilene mother starved her toddler to death