RAPID CITY, SD – An unsettling case of neglect has led to a South Dakota woman receiving a 12-year prison sentence for the abuse and negligent care of her disabled son, resulting in his death. Naomia Prairie, 40, acknowledged her role in the suffering of her 18-year-old son, Donny Merrival, and her 7-year-old child.

The tragic sequence unfolded with Merrival, a quadriplegic since 14, found weighing only 80 pounds at his time of death. This sobering detail emerged during the court proceedings where Prairie admitted guilt to charges including child abuse and neglect of a disabled adult, according to a release from the Pennington County State’s Attorney’s Office.

The investigation revealed Merrival’s dire living conditions, described as akin to a “Holocaust victim” by the doctor who performed his autopsy. The circumstances of his care drew strong criticism from Chief Deputy State’s Attorney Gina Nelson, who prosecuted the case. She condemned the environment in which Merrival was kept, highlighting the motel room where his body was discovered on March 3, 2024.

The findings pointed out how, under Prairie’s care, both her children were endangered by exposure to illegal drugs. Merrival’s life, marked by severe neglect, was contrasted with the progress he made while previously under the Department of Social Services’ care. His downturn began after he was returned to Prairie’s custody upon reaching adulthood.

Prairie’s younger child, aged seven, was similarly neglected, being neither enrolled in school nor safeguarded from harmful influences. Nelson disclosed that the child was “taught to use methamphetamine by other adults,” but since removed from Prairie’s custody, has shown notable improvement.

Addressing the court, Judge Joshua Hendrickson characterized the neglect case as “haunting” and “shocking,” further emphasizing its severity. He imposed consecutive sentences on Prairie — 10 years for child abuse and an additional two years for the neglect of a disabled adult.

The case has served as a grim reminder of the responsibilities that caregivers hold over vulnerable individuals. Nelson underscored the profound betrayal of trust involved, noting how both children’s fates were inextricably tied to Prairie’s actions, which instead led to prolonged suffering and severe abuse.

The prison sentence marks a somber conclusion to a case that has deeply moved those involved in seeking justice for the young victims.