Panic Attack in Court while Texts Read in Tortured Son Murder Trial

DAY 1: Defendant Shanda Vander Ark began exhibiting signs of a panic attack in court as text messages between her and her son, Paul, were read aloud. WARNING: Testimony may be disturbing for some viewers.

Vander Ark, 43, is facing first-degree murder and child abuse charges for the death of her 15-year-old son, Timothy Ferguson, who police found dead and severely malnourished inside the family’s home. Timothy’s older brother Paul, 20, had also been charged days after his mom’s arrest. Together, Vander Ark and her son Paul are accused of a sinister pattern of abuse that may have lasted for years.

#CourtTV - MI v. #ShandaVanderArk Tortured Son Murder Trial Day 1

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[CourtTV]

#CourtTV - MI v. #ShandaVanderArk Tortured Son Murder Trial Day 1

[esdee]

She wasn't having a panic attack when she was abusing her son. Disgusting for her to even involve her other son in the abuse. So evil.

[lifesyphon]

That wasn’t a panic attack. That was a diversion. Can you imagine that child’s panic when he realized he was gonna die? Horrifying.

[ziggywalsh]

Can her lawyer please tell her, that even if she has a gazillion "panic attacks" in court, the trial will not stop.

[crunchyleaves]

Could her son take a five minute break whenever he wanted to when her torture became too much? This woman is a monster for what she did and doesn't deserve a break from hearing the awful abusive words in her texts. No rest for the wicked.

[roboslug]

"Your honor, my murderous client is currently experiencing the tiniest fraction of the distress she caused to her vulnerable, special needs son for the last several horrific years of his life. Could we take a break for a minute, so she doesn't have to suffer?"
--World's most sadly ironic lawyer, 2023

[eyeofthescar]

Imagine the panic she's going to feel when her prison mates find out what she did.

[rez]

She absolutely disgusts me. She with her attorney, is trying to blame everything on the older special needs son. Yes he is guilty of abuse, and he is taking accountability. Tim was HER child!! It was HER responsibility to care for him, to make sure he was eating, safe, clothed, and receiving medical attention. The worst part of all she was educated, she worked for the court, for a judge. She knew better!! Another monstrous egg donor. GUILTY

[TheBohemianGranny]

This is my city, and we are appalled! This woman needs to go away for life.

[HB-eydk]

I've never looked that calm during a panic attack.

[zimladyj]

The delusion that makes defendants like her go to trial rather than plead guilty must be intoxicating. On what planet does this person think they’ll get acquitted?

[catherinejones]

That wasn't a panic attack! That was a panic of shame for how she treated her son!😮

[Tomtaylor]

She was completely fine when she was abusing her poor son !!! Hopefully she won’t make it another day !!!

[le_th_]

Narcissists can't handle having their true, monstrous selves publicly revealed where everyone can see the monster they truly are.

She's an abusive, control-freak abuser. She does not deserve anyone's empathy.

[trailrunner]

It is incomprehensible to me how anyone could do this to another living human being, let alone their own And that goes for the son who participated in it. Disturbing.... this case is so disturbing.

[TraitofSiNN]

wasn't a panic attack that was a sign of guilty conscience.

[misspaula]

I was gutted and in disbelief hearing about this case a couple of days ago. Now watching the trial, I'm horrified. That woman is twisted beyond belief and if her attorney thinks people are going to buy her, "I don't remember any of this" B.S. she is in complete denial, and she shows ZERO remorse as well. I truly hope she gets everything she deserves coming to her. That poor boy and what he suffered, omg. This story is traumatizing!🤬

[jlb]

Locking the fridge and hes supposedly on a hunger strike.Not looking good for this so called mother .No wonder she had a panic attack while her messages where being read.Shameful.

[Gianna]

What is WRONG with these parents??? Don’t have kids if you don’t want to take care of them!!

[TobieWoodel]

Although small. This is one of the most riveting trials I have seen on TV. I’m absolutely glued to it. This woman is a monster.