A Texas mother accused of subjecting her son to numerous unnecessary surgeries and nearly starving him to death to give the impression that he had a terminal illness was convicted of attempted murder last week.
Per the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Danita Tutt, 42, was acquitted of two counts of injury to a child causing serious bodily injury in connection with two surgeries her son had undergone. However, she was found guilty of attempted murder for starving him.
An indictment had accused Danita of misleading doctors about her son’s medical history, leading them to perform an ileostomy and gastrostomy.
The Star-Telegram reported that the Cleburne mother kept food and nutrients from her then-13-year-old son, Colby Tutt, and bought his casket in anticipation for his death. An affidavit stated that, when Child Protective Services removed Colby and his 9-year-old brother from the home in May 2016, the teen weighed 51 pounds; had a feeding tube, central line, and colostomy bag; and was taking several pain medications.
“Mrs. Tutt is an attention-seeking type person and enjoys the attention she gets for having two medically fragile children,” the agency alleged in a 2016 report acquired by the Star-Telegram. “There are concerns that she may end Colby’s life. There are concerns for the safety of his sibling.”
Medical staff who had been providing Colby palliative care since April claimed the mother asked—on more than one occasion—if there’s something they could give him so he goes to sleep and doesn’t “wake up.”
Despite their allegations, CPS made an agreement with Danita where they wouldn’t seek to terminate her parental rights if Colby and his brother remained in her parents’ care. She was also given unlimited, supervised visitation.
The Texas mother could face probation as sentencing begins this week. She was free on bond during trial but returned to custody following Friday’s conviction.
[Featured image: Danita Tutt/Fort Worth Police Department; Colby Tutt/GoFundMe]
