Beatrice woman gets jail time and probation in son’s death, sexual assault of teen

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A Beatrice woman was sentenced Wednesday for the death of her 4-month-old son and the sexual abuse of another child.

Ashlen Zitel, 28, will spend a total of 180 days in jail in the two separate case. Those terms will be served in 30-day increments over the next several years.

Gage County District Judge Rick Schreiner also sentenced Zitel to six years of probation.

SEE ALSO: Beatrice woman pleads not guilty in son’s death, sexual assault of teen

Court documents say Zitel’s baby boy died Aug. 15 while in the care of her boyfriend, Austin Meyn.

An arrest affidavit says Meyn laid him face down to stop him from crying.

He told Zitel what he was doing, but police said she did not question his methods.

SEE ALSO: Beatrice couple accused in baby’s death charged with sexual abuse in separate case

The infant stopped breathing and was taken to a hospital, where he died.

An autopsy also revealed that the boy had “non-accidental” injuries, according to the affidavit.

Then in October, Meyn and Zitel were charged in the sexual assault of a 15-year-old.

The arrest affidavits have been sealed, but prosecutors allege they assaulted the teen between March and August of 2024.

SEE ALSO: Bond set at $1 million for Beatrice man accused in baby’s death

Zitel pleaded guilty in January to negligent child abuse in her son’s death and to intentional child abuse in the other case.

The most serious charges were dropped in exchange.

Meyn is charged with intentional child abuse resulting in death, first-degree sexual assault of a child and intentional child abuse with no injury.

He has pleaded not guilty.

Meyn also appeared in court Wednesday and is due back May 6.

SEE ALSO: Southeast Nebraska couple charged with child abuse in baby’s death