A North Carolina couple, Joseph Paul Wilson and Jodi Ann Wilson, has been sentenced to decades behind bars after pleading guilty to second-degree murder and child abuse charges in the death of their 4-year-old adopted son, Skyler Wilson. The child was found malnourished and suffered fatal injuries after being wrapped in a bedsheet and restrained face-down on the floor with duct tape for several hours.

The tragedy unfolded on January 5, 2023, at the family’s home in Mount Airy, North Carolina. According to the Surry County District Attorney’s Office, Jodi Wilson wrapped Skyler in a bedsheet and used duct tape to secure him face-down to the floor as a form of discipline. Joseph Wilson, a chiropractor, had purchased the duct tape and Ace bandages earlier that day specifically for restraining the child. He reportedly saw the boy in this condition during his lunch break but did not intervene and returned to work.

Later that afternoon, Jodi messaged her husband a photo of Skyler restrained and wrote, “Hurry home, I think I have hurt him.” Joseph eventually called 911, claiming the child was having a seizure. Emergency responders found Skyler unresponsive. He was placed on life support but died four days later on January 9, 2023.

The medical examiner determined the cause of death to be a hypoxic-ischemic brain injury resulting from prolonged physical restraint, with complications from starvation and malnutrition contributing to his inability to survive the ordeal. Authorities also uncovered evidence of broader abuse, including the couple performing exorcisms on Skyler and at least one sibling, based on books they had read. Digital records, home surveillance footage, and restraints found in the home supported the charges.

A former foster parent had filed a report with the Surry County Department of Social Services about a month prior, expressing concerns over food restrictions and exorcisms involving the children. Following Skyler’s death, the other children in the home were placed into protective custody.

On July 9, 2026 (or around that date, per recent reports), in Surry County Superior Court, both parents pleaded guilty. Joseph Paul Wilson, 45, and Jodi Ann Wilson, 42, received sentences totaling between 32 and 40 years in prison. Jodi received 25 to 31 years for second-degree murder plus a consecutive 7 to nearly 9.5 years for conspiracy to commit felony child abuse. Joseph faced additional time for related child abuse and conspiracy charges.

The case has drawn widespread outrage, highlighting failures in oversight and the horrific nature of the abuse inflicted on a vulnerable adopted child.

Sources: New York Post