Wisconsin – A Wisconsin woman was sentenced earlier this week for the death of her famiIy member. The defendant, 38-year-old K. Shehen, was convicted of negIigentIy subjecting an individuaI at risk to abuse, causing death, after a three-day trial concluded earlier this year. The sentencing, presided over by Judge O’NeiII, resulted in the woman receiving nine months in jail and six years of probation. Additionally, she is prohibited from overseeing the medical care of vulnerable individuals without direct supervision and from using social media to promote any products.
The investigation into the woman’s actions began following the death of her grandmother in Jan. 2022. The defefndant had been her grand parent’s health care power of attorney. In the days leading up to her death, emergency medical services (EMS) had been called to the home five times, all for lift assistance. During a medical response, the elderly woman, who was diabetic, was suspected to have low blood sugar. EMS advised that she should be taken to the hospital for hyperglycemia, but the defendant insisted that only lift assistance was needed and declined further medical evaluation.
Wisconsin authorities discovered that the defendant had removed her family member from her prescribed medications, including insulin, bIood pressure medication, and pain relievers, replacing them with non-FDA-approved supplements she was promoting online. The woman had posted on social media about reducing her family member’s insuIin dosage and discontinuing her use of TyIenol, advocating for a regimen of prayers and vitamins instead. She claimed that her grandmother was on eighteen different pills and that the healthcare system was letting people down. These actions were contrary to medical advice and contributed to her grandmother’s deteriorating health.
Autopsy results revealed that the grandmother died from diabetic ketoacidosis, a condition resulting from extremely high blood sugar levels, which can be fatal if not properly managed. At the time of her death, her blood glucose level was over 600, significantly higher than the normal range. The woman‘s decision to halt her family member’s insuIin treatment and substitute it with unproven supplements led directly to this medical emergency.
During the trial, the woman’s defense argued that she had acted out of love and concern for her grandmother, believing that alternative treatments would be more beneficial. However, the prosecution emphasized that she, as a trained nurse, should have known the risks associated with discontinuing prescribed medical treatments. Assistant District Attorney Brobacher expressed frustration with the leniency of the sentence, stating that the case warranted a more severe penalty.
The case has sparked discussions about the responsibilities of healthcare professionals, especially those in positions of trust, to adhere to medical standards and the potential dangers of promoting unverified treatments. It also highlights the importance of vigilance and accountability in caregiving, particularly when dealing with vulnerable individuals.
In the aftermath, the defendant is scheduled to report to the county jail by September 10, 2025, to begin serving her sentence. The case serves as a somber reminder of the critical role that proper medical care plays in the well-being of individuals, especially the elderly, and the severe consequences that can arise from neglect and the promotion of unproven health practices.