MI v. Shanda Vander Ark
Shanda Vander Ark was convicted of murder and child abuse in the starvation death of her 15-year-old son, Timothy Ferguson, who weighed only 69 pounds when he died in July 2022. The abuse, which involved restraints, ice baths, and food deprivation, was also allegedly perpetrated with the help of Timothy's older brother, Paul Ferguson. Shanda Vander Ark was sentenced to life in prison without parole, plus an additional 50 to 100 years for child abuse. She is currently appealing her convictions and seeking a new trial based on claims of ineffective assistance of counsel, with hearings on these matters taking place in late 2025.
Timeline
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Track this story2026
1 update
2026
1 updateAn evidentiary hearing for Shanda Vander Ark's appeal has been scheduled for March 20, 2026, where both prosecutor Matt Roberts and Vander Ark herself are expected to testify.
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2025
5 updates
2025
5 updatesShanda Vander Ark returned to court for a continuation of the critical Ginther hearing, where questions regarding her trial attorney's strategy were further examined.
via kitchener.citynews.ca·cbsnews.com·courttv.com·youtube.com·cbsnews.com
During a July 2025 appeal hearing, Shanda Vander Ark's defense team claimed her trial counsel conceded guilt to voluntary manslaughter without her authorization. This specific allegation is a key issue that could lead to a new trial.
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During the Ginther hearing, the court reviewed the competency report and found no prejudice in Vander Ark's absence during her verdict.
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Judge Matthew Kacel denied Shanda Vander Ark's motion for a new trial on July 25, 2025, which was based on claims that she was incompetent to stand trial. This decision was made while a 'Ginther hearing' was scheduled to examine claims of ineffective counsel.
A Ginther hearing began to address Shanda Vander Ark's motion for a new trial, based on claims of ineffective assistance of counsel during her original trial.
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2024
3 updates
2024
3 updatesPaul Ferguson was sentenced to 30 to 100 years in prison for first-degree child abuse.
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Shanda Vander Ark filed a claim of appeal in her criminal case, seeking to overturn her murder and child abuse convictions.
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Shanda Vander Ark filed a claim of appeal seeking to overturn the termination of her parental rights for her 8-year-old son.
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2023
3 updates
2023
3 updatesA jury deliberated for just over an hour before finding Shanda Vander Ark guilty of open murder and first-degree child abuse in the death of her son.
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Paul Ferguson pleaded guilty to first-degree child abuse.
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Shanda Vander Ark's preliminary hearing was held.
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2022
3 updates
2022
3 updatesA competency report for Shanda Vander Ark was dated, indicating she was competent to stand trial.
via kitchener.citynews.ca·cbsnews.com·courttv.com·youtube.com·cbsnews.com
Paul Ferguson, Timothy's older brother, was also charged with first-degree child abuse days after his mother's arrest, for his alleged involvement in the abuse.
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Shanda Vander Ark, Timothy's mother, was arrested in connection with her son's death.
via kitchener.citynews.ca·cbsnews.com·courttv.com·youtube.com·cbsnews.com
Story began · 3 years, 8 mo ago