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Kansas Mother Charged with Murder of 15-Month-Old Son

4/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Shanna Kay Whitton, a Kansas mother, has been charged with the murder of her 15-month-old son, Matthew Jon Whitton, who died in August 2025.
An autopsy determined the cause of death as homicide due to intentionally inflicted asphyxia, revising the initial choking report.
Investigators are reviewing the 2024 death of Gypsy Rose, the two-year-old daughter, initially ruled an accident, as Whitton is set to appear in court on May 7.

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Story summary

Shanna Kay Whitton, a Kansas mother, has been charged with the murder of her 15-month-old son, Matthew Jon Whitton, who died in August 2025.
An autopsy determined the cause of death as homicide due to intentionally inflicted asphyxia, revising the initial choking report.
Investigators are reviewing the 2024 death of Gypsy Rose, the two-year-old daughter, initially ruled an accident, as Whitton is set to appear in court on May 7.