Medical Neglect Caused Fatal Type I Diabetes Case
A Norfolk mother received a five-year prison sentence after withholding necessary medical care for her daughter's Type I diabetes.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Diabetes
A judge sentenced Christian Monique Roberts to five years in prison for involuntary manslaughter and child neglect following the death of her 14-year-old daughter, Amari Roberts. The child, who had lived with Type I diabetes since age 3, died after her parents discontinued her medical care.
Why it matters
Type I diabetes requires strict, consistent management of blood glucose levels to prevent life-threatening complications like diabetic ketoacidosis. This case highlights the lethal consequences of medical neglect in children with chronic conditions that depend on long-term clinical oversight.
Court documents confirmed that Amari Roberts died in 2023 after medical care was discontinued, leaving her without the insulin management essential for Type I diabetes. Her blood glucose levels were documented at over 700 mg/dL upon arrival at the hospital, far exceeding the normal range.
The players
Amari Roberts
A 14-year-old who lived with Type I diabetes and required consistent insulin therapy.
Christian Monique Roberts
The mother of the child who was sentenced for involuntary manslaughter and child neglect.
Chike Butler
The father of the child who was previously sentenced to five years for the same charges.
Department of Human Services
The Norfolk city agency that previously held a care agreement with the parents.
The details
Type I diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the pancreas produces little or no insulin, the hormone necessary to move glucose into cells for energy. Without exogenous insulin, blood sugar levels rise uncontrollably, leading to severe metabolic imbalances and fatal complications. The child's care was previously monitored by Norfolk authorities until the parents stopped attending appointments and rejected medical intervention.
Timeline
2018: Child Protective Services investigated the child's blood sugar management.
2021: The child had her final virtual visit with an endocrinologist.
January 17, 2023: Amari Roberts died after suffering from high blood glucose.
April 2026: The child's father, Chike Butler, was sentenced to five years in prison.
October 9, 2026: Christian Monique Roberts was sentenced to five years in prison.
Health Landscape
The medical management of Type I diabetes has evolved into a highly structured standard of care that integrates continuous glucose monitoring and precise insulin delivery. This incident marks a catastrophic failure to adhere to these life-sustaining protocols required for chronic disease management.
Parents of children with chronic conditions should maintain regular contact with specialists to adjust treatment plans as the child grows. If you or a family member are struggling to manage a complex diagnosis, consult your physician about resources or social work support.
The takeaway
Consistent insulin therapy is the only way to manage Type I diabetes and prevent fatal metabolic crises. If you encounter barriers to accessing medical care or insulin supplies, speak with a primary care physician immediately to establish a safe, sustainable care path.
Further reading
Learn more about managing chronic conditions at the Diabetes section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Daily Press.
