A 42-year-old Washington woman has been arrested and charged in the death of her 10-year-old daughter, who investigators believe died from prolonged diabetic ketoacidosis while the family was on a long road trip.
Investigation and charges
Police began investigating after Child Protective Services alerted them in July 2025 when the woman brought the child’s body to a Tacoma-area hospital. According to probable cause documents reviewed by investigators, the girl — who had Type 1 diabetes — showed signs of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) before and during an out-of-state drive toward the Oregon–California border.
Allegations in court documents
Court documents allege the child’s insulin pump recorded high blood glucose readings and that she began vomiting shortly before the trip. Prosecutors say the mother, identified in filings as Lloydina McAllister, continued driving for roughly 714 miles and passed 31 hospitals while the child’s condition deteriorated. The documents state the girl slipped into a coma and was later pronounced dead; investigators say she had been deceased for several hours before she was brought to Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital on July 18.
Background and additional details
According to the affidavit, the girl had been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in February 2018 and had been hospitalized multiple times for diabetic ketoacidosis since that diagnosis. Prosecutors contend the mother was aware of the child’s symptoms and did not seek timely medical care, and that the lack of medical intervention contributed to the death.
"This was a complex and emotionally challenging investigation," said Police Chief Mike St. Jean. He added that the department is committed to protecting vulnerable residents, particularly children who cannot advocate for themselves.
Legal status and next steps
The mother was arrested on Nov. 4 and has been charged with first-degree manslaughter. She pleaded not guilty in King County Superior Court on Nov. 13. The investigation remains active and prosecutors will determine whether to file formal charges based on the evidence.
Resources
If you suspect child abuse or need resources for diabetes emergencies, contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 (1-800-4-A-Child). All calls are toll-free, confidential, and available 24/7 in more than 170 languages. For medical guidance about diabetic ketoacidosis and diabetes emergencies, consult a medical professional or diabetes care resources.
Note: These are allegations from probable cause documents and remain unproven in court. The accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
