Waynesboro police arrested 40-year-old Amie Ruleman after officers say they found her 4-year-old son dead inside her Pratt Court home. The Franklin County coroner determined the child had been deceased for more than 24 hours. Ruleman has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child and is being held at the Franklin County Prison on $1,000,000 bail. Police say the boy weighed about 25 pounds when he was found.
According to Fox43, Waynesboro officers say they received a call about the child around 2 p.m. on Tuesday. The outlet reports police pronounced the boy dead at the Pratt Court residence and that investigators later executed a search warrant at the home. Court paperwork cited by the station indicates controlled substances were recovered during that search.
What Detectives Say
Detectives say the child had been sick and vomiting into his bed, and Ruleman reported that she had given him Tylenol that morning before falling asleep on the couch with him. Investigators say the mother admitted missing at least five of the boy's doctor appointments and described his diet as mostly chips, chicken nuggets and mini pancakes. Officers also said the child often ate his own clothing. Police have not released the boy's name.
Scene And Evidence
As reported by Fox43, officers found drug paraphernalia near a bathroom sink and, after obtaining a warrant, recovered controlled substances inside the home. A male friend told police he saw Ruleman and the child on Easter Sunday and said the boy appeared visibly ill. The Franklin County coroner advised investigators the child had been deceased for more than 24 hours before police were called.
Legal Implications
Under Pennsylvania law, endangering the welfare of children is codified at 18 Pa.C.S. A7 4304. The offense is typically a first-degree misdemeanor but can be elevated to a felony when it involves a course of conduct or serious bodily injury. The statute applies to parents or others responsible for a child who "knowingly endanger" a child's welfare by violating duties of care, protection or support, according to the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes.
What's Next
Ruleman remains lodged at Franklin County Prison on the endangering-welfare charge as the investigation continues. Prosecutors and the coroner's office are expected to review lab results and forensic findings to determine whether additional charges will be filed. Police are asking anyone with information to contact the Waynesboro Police Department. Court records show bail was set at $1,000,000.
