Red Lake Woman Guilty of Child Neglect After Starving 4-Year-Old to Death

DULUTH, Minn. – A federal jury delivered a guilty verdict in the case of Sharon Rosebear, a 63-year-old Red Lake woman accused of depriving a 4-year-old child in her care of necessary food and healthcare, leading to the child’s death.

According to evidence presented at trial, Rosebear intentionally withheld food and healthcare from the child, Minor A, over the course of 2022. The evidence showed that Minor A died in 2022 from the combined effects of starvation and infection. Rosebear’s co-defendant, Julius Fineday Sr., entered a guilty plea to second-degree manslaughter prior to trial.

The evidence at trial established that Rosebear acted as one of Minor A’s caretakers in 2022 and was aware of the child’s severe lice infestation. Instead of seeking medical attention, Rosebear isolated Minor A, allowing the infestation to persist. Medical testimony revealed that the type of infection Minor A had when she died could have entered her body through scratches in her scalp related to her unaddressed lice.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsey E. Middlecamp and Rachel L. Kraker tried the case, which was the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI and the Red Lake Tribal Police Department. Rosebear was found guilty of felony child neglect following a six-day trial in U.S. District Court before Chief Judge Patrick J. Schiltz.

The evidence presented at trial showed that Rosebear was reasonably able to provide for Minor A’s nutrition and healthcare, despite receiving nutritional and cash assistance adequate to meet her basic needs. However, Rosebear intentionally deprived Minor A of those basic needs, withholding food and allowing the child’s health to deteriorate.

Rosebear’s co-defendant, Julius Fineday Sr., entered a guilty plea to second-degree manslaughter prior to trial. Their sentencing hearings will be scheduled at a later date. This case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of child neglect and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions.

As a society, we must prioritize the well-being and safety of our most vulnerable citizens, including children. The guilty verdict in this case sends a clear message that child neglect will not be tolerated, and those responsible will be held accountable for their actions.

The case is a disturbing reminder of the harsh realities of child neglect and the devastating consequences it can have on innocent lives. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.