The mother of a 15-year-old boy who tragically took his own life on October 31st has been arrested on 21 charges connected to the incident. Tabitha Ward, 34, reportedly lost custody of her two sons earlier this year but resisted cooperating with the Department of Children’s Services (DCS). Despite signing documents agreeing not to harbor her sons, she allegedly encouraged them to flee state custody, leading to their status as runaways.
On the night of the boy’s death, six firearms were discovered in Ward’s residence on Cross Timbers Drive, including the weapon used by her son. Ward, who has previous felony convictions, is legally prohibited from possessing firearms. Investigations revealed that a week before the incident, Ward had taken her sons to a wooded area to teach them how to use the guns.
Latest TN News
According to a statement from Ward’s roommate, after discovering her son with a gunshot wound, Ward moved a backpack containing all six firearms into the roommate’s bedroom before calling for emergency assistance. The 15-year-old was transported to Vanderbilt Pediatrics, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Ward is facing multiple charges, including criminally negligent homicide, evidence tampering, illegal firearm possession, aggravated child endangerment, custodial interference, harboring runaways, and contributing to the delinquency of minors. She is currently held on a $116,000 bond.
Source: Read Original Release