MUSKEGON, Mich. — The mother from Norton Shores convicted of murdering her 15-year-old son through abuse and neglect was sentenced to life in prison Tuesday.
Vander Ark pictured here pic.twitter.com/EGOOnk4RYR
— Julie Dunmire (@juliedunmire) January 23, 2024
In December 2023 a jury found Shanda Vander Ark guilty of 1st-degree murder and child abuse for the death of her son Timothy Ferguson. The 15-year-old was found dead when officers arrived at their house on Marshall Road on July 6, 2022.
On Tuesday, Judge Matthew Kacel sentenced Vander Ark to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder conviction and 50-100 years for the child abuse charge.
During the trial investigators told the jury Vander Ark would starve the teen, lock him in the basement, and pour hot sauce on his private parts.
TRIAL OUTCOME: Shanda Vander Ark found guilty of son's murder and abuse
Ferguson's older sister Milly spoke during victim impact statements, saying she regrets not doing more to protect her brother.
"When Timothy died, I couldn't stop regretting. I regretted not hugging him more... There's no fixing what's been done. That's my regret, that I couldn't protect him when he needed me most."
Milly Ferguson, sister, two years older than Timothy: "When Timothy died, I couldn't stop regretting. I regretted not hugging him more."..."There's no fixing what's been done. That's my regret, that I couldn't protect him when he needed me most."
— Julie Dunmire (@juliedunmire) January 23, 2024
Ferguson's older brother Eric, who police say did not live at the home, also gave a victim impact statement. "I have to wake up every day and pretend I am who I was before Timothy died," he said.
Following the victim impact statements, and comments from attorneys, the judge began explaining his sentencing ruling to Vander Ark.
"The reality of the situation is here that this person, Ms. Vander Ark, you intentionally engaged in these acts," Judge Kacel said. "I don't believe your intention was to kill. I think you intended to continue on torturing him. Why, I don't know."
Paul Ferguson, Timothy's older brother, also faces a charge of child abuse. He took the stand during his mother's trial as a witness for the defense.
Tuesday's sentencing is the last remaining step in the criminal case against Vander Ark.
In the next 15 minutes, sentencing will begin for Shanda Vander Ark, a Norton Shores mom convicted of killing her own son, 15-year-old Timothy Ferguson.
— Julie Dunmire (@juliedunmire) January 23, 2024
