WAYNESBORO, Pa- A Waynesboro woman is facing felony charges after police say her neglect led to the death of her 4-year-old son earlier this week.
Investigators charged Amie Ruleman, 40, with endangering the welfare of children following the discovery of her son’s body inside their Pratt Court home on Tuesday, April 7. She is being held in Franklin County Jail with bail set at $1 million, according to court records.
Police said Ruleman called 911 around 1 p.m. Tuesday to report that her son was unresponsive and not breathing. The child was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to the criminal complaint, the boy — who had autism and was nonverbal — reportedly had been ill since Easter Sunday and was suffering from vomiting and stomach issues. Ruleman told investigators she gave her son Tylenol that morning but did not seek medical attention.
Responding officers said the home was disorganized and contained drug paraphernalia, including items found on the bathroom sink. Investigators also noted that the child appeared to be malnourished and weighed approximately 25 pounds, about 12 pounds underweight for his age. The Franklin County Coroner estimated that the child had been dead for more than 24 hours before the 911 call.
The coroner’s findings contradicted Ruleman’s version of events, investigators said. A friend who was at the home on Easter told police the boy had appeared extremely sick and that they urged Ruleman to take him to a hospital.
Ruleman allegedly told police during questioning that her son had not seen a doctor since 2024 and primarily ate mini pancakes, chips, and chicken nuggets. Investigators said she admitted taking a photo of the child and sending it to her daughter before moving him.
Authorities said additional controlled substances were located in the home during a search. Ruleman’s next court appearance, a preliminary hearing, is scheduled for April 21.
