TOPEKA, KANSAS: A Topeka man has been handed the maximum sentence of 56 years and 11 months in prison by District Judge Jessica Heinen after he was found guilty in April for four crimes associated with the death of his two-year-old daughter due to severe malnutrition.
Who is Jeffrey Exon?
Aurora Exon's life was tragically cut short by marasmus, a severe form of protein-energy malnutrition, which resulted from the neglect of her own father, Jeffrey J "James" Exon, 47. The harrowing details of her suffering came to light during a six-day trial in April when Deputy District Attorney Bethany Lee recounted the events leading up to the toddler's death.
The court learned that James Exon had addiction issues, and at the time of his daughter's demise, he was often found "intoxicated and passed out in his bed for days on end," as stated by Lee during the trial. The neglect extended not only to Aurora but also to her older brother, Theodore "Teddy" Exon, who survived the ordeal but endured similar hardships under his father's care.
Testimonies from witnesses painted a disturbing picture of the living conditions and treatment the children endured. According to the Topeka Capital-Journal, Teddy Exon recounted how his father locked both him and Aurora in their rooms for days, depriving them of food and care while he slept.
Heartbreaking discovery
Tragedy struck on January 5, 2021, when James Exon made a distress call to law enforcement and rescue workers at their home on 3501 SW 10th Ave. When they arrived, they found the lifeless body of two-year-old Aurora. Despite their best efforts, first responders and medical personnel could not revive the child, as she had already been deceased for several days. Aurora was pronounced dead at the scene.
While processing the scene, law enforcement officials made a shocking discovery in Exon's bedroom - at least five empty liquor bottles strewn about. This finding highlighted the extent of Exon's addiction issues and raised concerns about his ability to properly care for his young children. Officers and medics on the scene reported that Aurora's body was cold to the touch and already in rigor mortis, a post-mortem stiffening of the muscles that typically does not set in until 12 hours after death. Further indications pointed to the fact that the child had been dead for days before authorities were called.
Testimonies in court
During the trial, testimony was also presented from employees at the Sheldon Child Development Center Head Start, where Teddy attended preschool. Three school employees expressed serious concerns about James Exon's physical and mental state. They testified that in October 2020, he appeared emaciated and visibly intoxicated when picking up his son from the bus stop. These accounts provided further evidence of Exon's unstable condition and his inability to provide a safe environment for his children.
James Exon's brother, Michael Exon, testified about his younger brother's long history of alcohol abuse. He revealed that James had been dishonest about being sober in the two years leading up to Aurora's tragic death. Such testimonies painted a picture of a troubled individual with a history of addiction and deception. According to the Capital-Journal, the children's mother, Seonaid Nichols, testified during the trial that she agreed to let Aurora and Teddy stay with their father after their breakup because her housing situation was not well-suited for having children around.
As the judge delivered the maximum sentence, the courtroom was filled with emotions. Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay emphasized the severity of the crimes and the tragic consequences of Exon's neglectful actions. He expressed hope that the sentence would serve as a warning to others who might subject their children to similar maltreatment.
