The child "loved cuddling with her daddy, and playing with her brother and friends," according to her obituary.
A father from Kansas was convicted of killing his 2-year-old daughter, who, according to the prosecution, died from hunger and malnutrition while her father was "intoxicated and passed out for days on end." On Monday, April 10, a Shawnee County District Court jury found 47-year-old Jeffrey J. Exon guilty of killing Aurora Exon, per The Topeka Capital-Journal.
On January 5, 2021, at about 10 a.m., Exon called the police to his Topeka house. Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay's original report stated, per PEOPLE, "Law enforcement and first responders found Exon's 2-year-old daughter unresponsive, cold to the touch, with an appearance that she had been dead for several days."
Opening arguments were given yesterday in the trial of Jeffrey J. "James" Exon, whom prosecutors allege was "intoxicated and passed out in his bed for days" as his 2-year-old daughter was dying of malnutrition. Read all about it at https://t.co/5hc7tKm4NX
— Tim Hrenchir (@timhrenchir) April 5, 2023
Authorities discovered five empty liquor bottles in Exon's bedroom after he claimed to the dispatcher that his daughter had been "starving herself." The tribunal called as a witness Aurora's younger brother, who was 4 years old at the time of his younger sister's death. He testified before the jury that his father would keep them locked up in their rooms without food while he "slept for days on end," per The Associated Press.
Kansas Father Convicted Of Murdering 2-Year-Old Daughter lowlife monster. He had custody because the mom was worthless too and that poor little one starved to death. The little boy lived. He deserves the same. https://t.co/4cdyM9Oula
— Kelsey (@KelseyreneaReta) April 13, 2023
Exon's substance abuse problems led to his not feeding his kids for days, the court heard. Exon was found guilty of aggravated child endangerment, reckless but unintentional second-degree murder, first-degree murder in the commission of a felony, and failure by a parent to report a child's death.
A Shawnee County District Court judge has ordered a psychiatric evaluation for Jeffrey J. Exon, who faces charges of first-degree felony murder, aggravated child endangerment and failure to report the death of a child. https://t.co/FIKseHZswa
— CJOnline (@CJOnline) June 28, 2021
Aurora's mother, who did not have custody of the two kids, last saw her daughter on December 26, 2020. Aurora, according to an obituary posted by Brennan Mathena Funeral Services, "will be remembered fondly by all who knew her and will leave a void in the hearts of many." The child "loved cuddling with her daddy, and playing with her brother and friends."
"She loved to dance and had a smile that would light up a room and the hearts of those around her. She also loved cheese and peanut butter crackers," the obituary states.
A family friend commented under the obituary, remembering Aurora and her laugh. She commented, "My heart hurts at the passing of Aurora. Your laugh was adorable when I played peek-a-boo at the window with you & Teddy. You will be missed baby girl. To the family, you will be in my thoughts & prayers." A singer from her service also commented, "I sang for Aurora's service today - and I felt very honored to be present to wish her on her way to Heaven. I am so sorry for your loss - she looks like such a happy child. I'm sure she will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Rest in peace sweet girl."
Aurora Exon, 2, was found dead Jan 5 in a home on S.W. 10th Ave. Police found her cold to the touch and appeared to have been dead for several days. https://t.co/VSAx4oBVqh
— CJOnline (@CJOnline) March 31, 2021
References:
https://people.com/crime/dad-convicted-murder-passing-out-drunk-for-days-daughter-died-malnutrition/
https://www.brennanmathenafh.com/obituaries/aurora-exon
Cover Image Source: (L) Shawnee County Department of Corrections ; (R) Brennan Mathena Funeral Services
