A Shenandoah woman is facing multiple felony charges following repeated reports of neglect and failure to properly supervise her severely autistic son, resulting in a series of disturbances.
Athena Marie McNally, 35, of Shenandoah, was charged on May 20, 2025, by the Shenandoah Police Department with one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child (F3) and one count of Abuse of a Care-Dependent Person.
According to court documents, police were dispatched to Redner’s Market at approximately 11:00 a.m. on May 20 in response to a disturbance involving McNally’s 14-year-old son, who is severely autistic. Store staff reported that the child had been causing a disruption and interfering with merchandise. The store manager also cited similar incidents involving the child on May 11 and May 18, during which the store had difficulty controlling his behavior.
The manager stated that McNally had been the only person capable of managing her son's behavior during prior occurrences. Officers attempted to contact her at her residence, where they found the front door ajar. After neighbors reported seeing the child run away from home, officers entered the property and found McNally asleep in an upstairs bedroom.
Upon being informed of her son’s location and the situation at Redner’s, McNally expressed concern and cooperated with officers. She was transported to Redner’s Market, where she took custody of her son and paid for items he had interacted with.
Further investigation by police revealed a pattern of neglect and failure to supervise the child:
- April 8, 2025 – The child ran away from home and damaged a neighbor’s property.
- April 17, 2025 – He was found outside his home around 10:40 p.m., reportedly out of control and throwing dirt on nearby vehicles.
- April 28, 2025 – A neighbor reported that the boy had destroyed her garden.
- May 17, 2025 – The child allegedly used a laser pointer to ignite a flag.
Authorities allege that McNally made no apparent effort to prevent further occurrences. Police reports note that McNally admitted she had "no excuses" for failing to supervise her son.
The charges were filed through Magisterial District Judge Anthony Kilker's Office in Shenandoah.