by Fond du Lac, Wis. – Police in Fond du Lac say a 51-year-old woman is in custody following an extensive investigation into the death of a 12-year-old child in December 2025. Authorities say the woman was arrested Friday afternoon on suspicion of child neglect causing death, though formal charges have not yet been filed.
The case began when officers were called to a local hospital early in the morning on Dec. 5, 2025, after a report that a deceased child had been brought into the emergency room.
Incident Overview
According to the Fond du Lac Police Department, officers responded to SSM Health St. Agnes Hospital just after 1 a.m. on Dec. 5 for a report involving a dead 12-year-old who had been taken to the emergency room.
Police said the incident was treated as a top priority from the start, with investigators immediately beginning interviews and coordinating with other agencies to determine what happened and whether criminal conduct played a role.
Authorities have not released the child’s identity, nor have they disclosed details about the circumstances surrounding the child’s death, including how the child arrived at the hospital or what evidence led investigators to the arrest.
Timeline of Events
The investigation began in the early hours of Dec. 5, 2025, when officers were dispatched to the hospital shortly after 1 a.m. following the report of a deceased child in the emergency room.
From that point forward, police say they launched an extensive investigation, interviewing witnesses and working with numerous agencies as they examined the facts of the case and attempted to determine what led to the child’s death.
Following weeks of investigative work, officers arrested a 51-year-old Fond du Lac woman on Friday afternoon at approximately 1:45 p.m., according to police. The arrest was made on suspicion of child neglect causing death, a serious allegation that can carry significant penalties if charges are formally filed and later proven in court.
Police said formal charges remain pending, indicating the case may still be under review by prosecutors before the court process moves forward.
Details From Police and Officials
The Fond du Lac Police Department credited the arrest to the work of investigators who pursued the case as a priority from the moment the initial report was received. Authorities said they interviewed witnesses and coordinated with multiple agencies during the investigation.
Lieutenant Nicholas Hahn described the case as both difficult and deeply emotional, emphasizing the department’s focus on accountability.
“This was an incredibly complex and heartbreaking case. Our team worked tirelessly to uncover the truth and ensure accountability,” Hahn said. “We remain committed to seeking justice for the victim and providing a measure of closure for the community.”
Police have not stated whether additional arrests are expected, nor have they provided information about what role the woman allegedly played in the circumstances leading to the child’s death.
What “Child Neglect Causing Death” Can Involve
While police have not shared specific facts about this case, “child neglect causing death” generally involves allegations that an adult responsible for a child failed to provide necessary care, supervision, or protection, and that the neglect contributed to the child’s death.
These investigations can be particularly complex because they often require multiple forms of evidence, including medical findings, witness statements, timelines of care, and records that may indicate whether warning signs were missed or whether intervention could have prevented the outcome.
Authorities typically work with medical professionals and other agencies to determine the cause of death and whether neglect played a role. The pending nature of formal charges suggests prosecutors may still be reviewing evidence before filing a criminal complaint in court.
Formal charges are still pending as the investigation continues.
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