PRESS RELEASE

February 27, 2025

Etowah County Woman Charged with Felony Neglect of Disabled Daughter

Etowah County, AL - Etowah County Sheriff Jonathon Horton has announced the arrest of Shana Bennett following an investigation into neglect of her daughter.

On February 21, 2024, Etowah County investigators were alerted by the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) regarding concerns of abuse and neglect, of a severely disabled, nonverbal person.

Upon locating the victim and her mother at their residence on Sligo Road in the Egypt Community, authorities found the young woman in dire condition. She was suffering from multiple pressure sores, an ill-maintained feeding tube, and breathing difficulties. Due to the critical nature of her health, emergency medical services transported her to UAB Medical Center, where she was placed in the Intensive Care Unit.

DHR immediately petitioned the Etowah County Probate Court for an emergency placement and guardianship. During the court hearing on February 20, 2025, Shana Bennett admitted to the neglect of her daughter. Following the hearing, the Etowah County Sheriff's Office charged Bennett with felony neglect of a dependent, a Class B felony. She was booked into the Etowah County Detention Center, with bond set at $20,000.

"This is a heartbreaking case of neglect involving a vulnerable individual who depended entirely on others for her care," said Sheriff Horton. "We are grateful for the swift action taken by DHR and our investigators to intervene and ensure Savannah receives the care she so desperately needs."

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information related to this case is urged to contact the Etowah County Sheriff's Office.