An Ohio Mother Sentenced to Prison for Feeding Diabetic Daughter Mountain Dew Diet
An Ohio mother, Tamara Banks, was sentenced to at least nine years in prison for the death of her 4-year-old diabetic daughter, Karmity Hoeb, who died after being fed mainly Mountain Dew. Banks pleaded guilty to manslaughter in March for the girl’s death in 2022 due to a diabetes-related brain injury. Prosecutors revealed that Banks regularly gave the girl bottles of baby formula mixed with the sugary soda, even after she should have been weaned off bottles.
Karmity passed away at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, west of her Clermont County home, from diabetic ketoacidosis, as reported by the Cincinnati Inquirer.
Despite showing signs of a serious medical issue for days, Banks did not call 911 until Karmity turned blue and stopped breathing, as reported by the outlet. Subsequent scans revealed that the girl was brain dead, according to prosecutors.
Karmity experienced neglect and abuse throughout her short life, being denied proper nutrition and medical care. Prosecutors found no evidence that she had ever visited a dentist, with all her teeth decaying by the time of her death.
A 20-ounce bottle of Mountain Dew contains 77 grams of sugar, far exceeding the recommended daily intake for kids. Experts suggest children should have less than 24 grams of sugar per day.
Clermont County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Clay Tharp described the case as one of the most tragic he had encountered, stating that Karmity’s death was unnecessary. Karmity, fondly called “Boogie” for her lively personality, was remembered as a smart and vibrant girl full of joy and love.
Banks had a son who fell into a coma at 4 years old due to undiagnosed diabetes, highlighting that she should have been aware of the dangers of diabetes before her daughter’s tragic death. She could face up to 13 and a half years in prison for her actions.
Karmity’s father, Christopher Hoeb, also pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and is awaiting sentencing in June.
