# Father sentenced to 17 years for autistic son's death

> A Missouri man was convicted of involuntary manslaughter after his severely malnourished autistic son starved to death in deplorable conditions.
- Title: Father sentenced to 17 years for autistic son's death
- Summary: A Missouri man was convicted of involuntary manslaughter after his severely malnourished autistic son starved to death in deplorable conditions. Lawrence…
- Keywords: lawrence riehl, missouri, autistic son, starvation, involuntary manslaughter, domestic assault, washington county, potosi, abuse of person with disability, vulnerable adult, neglect, news
- Source: Valleynewslive — https://valleynewslive.com/2026/09/16/man-sentenced-death-autistic-adult-son-who-starved-before-choking-death-feces
- Published: 2026-09-16T23:33:58.268+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: lawrence riehl, missouri, autistic son, starvation, involuntary manslaughter, domestic assault, washington county, potosi, abuse of person with disability, vulnerable adult, neglect, news
## Father sentenced for son's death
Lawrence Riehl, 62, was sentenced Monday to 17 years in prison for the death of his 21-year-old autistic son who starved to death in March 2025.
## Son found severely malnourished
Deputies discovered Riehl's son on a bedroom floor weighing only 55 pounds, surrounded by trash, empty food containers, and human feces in deplorable conditions.
## Medical warnings ignored
In March 2024, a year before his death, medical providers warned that the victim was severely underweight and suffering from muscle loss due to improper nutrition.
## Cause of death revealed
The medical examiner determined the son died from choking on his own feces, which investigators believe he ate out of starvation. Evidence showed he was immobilized in the same position for extended periods.
## Charges and plea
Riehl was convicted of first-degree involuntary manslaughter, second-degree domestic assault, and abuse of a person with a disability. He entered an Alford plea, maintaining innocence while conceding sufficient evidence for conviction.
## Prosecutor reflects on case
Washington County Prosecutor John Jones IV said the outcome brings the case to a just conclusion, noting the victim was a vulnerable young man who relied on others for basic needs.

> This was a tragic case involving the death of a vulnerable young man who relied on others for his most basic needs.
## Key takeaway

Lawrence Riehl received the maximum 17-year sentence for the death of his 21-year-old son, who weighed only 55 pounds and died from choking on feces due to starvation.