Mother Sentenced Following Daughter's Diabetes Death
A Norfolk judge sentenced Christian Monique Roberts to five years in prison for her daughter's death due to medical neglect.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Diabetes
Christian Monique Roberts was sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to charges related to the 2023 death of her 14-year-old daughter. The court found that the child died from medical neglect regarding her Type I diabetes management.
Why it matters
The case highlights the severe consequences of medical neglect for children with chronic conditions who require consistent, professional oversight. Investigators determined that the child stopped receiving necessary medical care before her death.
The child, diagnosed with Type I diabetes at age 3, had not seen a doctor since 2021. Medical evidence showed her blood glucose levels reached 700 at the hospital, far exceeding the normal range of 70 to 106.
The players
Christian Monique Roberts
She is the mother of the deceased child who pleaded guilty to multiple charges including involuntary manslaughter.
Amari Roberts
She was a 14-year-old who passed away following a struggle with Type I diabetes.
Chike Butler
He was previously sentenced for the same charges related to the medical neglect of the child.
Department of Human Services
This Norfolk agency oversaw the previous care agreements and investigations into the family.
The details
Emergency responders were called to an Adele Drive home in January 2023, where they found the teenager collapsed after suffering from vomiting and extremely high blood glucose levels. Despite a previous care agreement with Norfolk's Department of Human Services, the parents had ceased medical treatment due to a distrust of the hospital and city agencies.
Timeline
In 2018, Child Protective Services reopened an investigation into the care of the child.
The child had her last virtual visit with an endocrinologist in 2021.
Amari Roberts collapsed and died on January 17, 2023.
Chike Butler was sentenced to five years in prison in April 2026.
Christian Monique Roberts was sentenced to five years in prison on October 9, 2026.
Health Landscape
The sentencing of Christian Monique Roberts follows the legal precedent set by the 2026 sentencing of co-defendant Chike Butler. This outcome reflects the judicial approach to criminal liability in cases of severe pediatric medical neglect.
This case emphasizes the necessity of consistent endocrinology follow-ups for children with chronic conditions. Residents should be aware that city agencies remain involved in monitoring the welfare of the victim's nine surviving siblings.
The takeaway
Maintaining regular contact with medical providers is critical for managing life-threatening conditions like Type I diabetes. Parents should coordinate with clinical specialists to ensure blood glucose levels remain within target ranges to avoid medical emergencies.
Further reading
For more information on chronic disease management, visit the Diabetes section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Daily Press.
