Shanna Kay Whitton, a mother who claimed her 15-month-old son, Matthew Jon Whitton died from choking on a meatball, has been charged with murder in relation to the August 2025 death of the child. The Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office conducted an investigation into the child's death and has filed multiple charges against Whitton. The cause of death was complications of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy caused by an intentionally inflicted asphyxia event. During the investigation, detectives also found a fire started in Matthew's bedroom and concluded it was intentionally set. Whitton has remained in custody on a $500,000 bond and is expected to appear in court on May 7.