A 3-month-old boy who died in a south Fargo apartment last summer, identified in court records as John Doe, has been ruled by autopsy as an unexplained sudden infant death with extrinsic factors.
Rescuers arrived at the home of Nickolas and Alie Shearer in the early hours of July 26, 2024. John Doe was cold to the touch with discolored skin, and life-saving efforts were stopped almost immediately. He was pronounced dead at 3:34 a.m., about 16 minutes after the 911 call was placed.
Two older brothers, ages 1 and 2, were in the home and were placed in protective custody by Cass County Human Services the same day after responding officers found the residence in unfit condition for children. Officers reported entering a clutter-filled apartment where large amounts of garbage blocked the door, the space was filthy with flies, and the room temperature reached about 82 degrees with air conditioning not running. The apartment smelled of rotten food, and the diaper used by John Doe was overflowing with feces and urine, with flies visible around it.
Investigators noted that all three children had access to these conditions. The Shearers gave inconsistent accounts of what led to John Doe’s unresponsive state, with each blaming the other for feeding the baby last. Nickolas Shearer told investigators that Alie Shearer had propped a bottle with a blanket on the couch earlier while he was on his back on the couch, hours before the death occurred.
Toxicology results showed the 1-year-old brother tested positive for methamphetamine in a hair follicle test, while the other two children’s tests were negative. John Doe’s toxicology showed caffeine and a nicotine metabolite.
Assistant Cass County State’s Attorney Renata Selzer, co-lead of the office’s personal crimes division, said she could not comment on the specific case and emphasized that the charges are allegations. She noted that cases involving a death often require extensive time to complete investigations and to ensure charges are appropriate. She also explained that higher-level charges, such as negligent homicide, require proof beyond a reasonable doubt that the death resulted from the defendants’ actions or inactions.
Nickolas and Alie Shearer each face three counts of felony child neglect, one for each child. They were arraigned Friday, Aug. 22, in Cass County court and are scheduled to appear again Oct. 1 for a preliminary hearing.
What this means for the case: The charges are allegations at this stage, and the court will determine the validity of the claims as the case proceeds. The ongoing process reflects the seriousness of the safety concerns raised by the living conditions and, separately, the need to determine accountability for the infant’s death and the welfare of the surviving siblings.
Additional context and potential actions: Child welfare and law enforcement authorities emphasize the importance of safe sleeping environments, clean and safe living conditions for young children, and prompt reporting of concerns. If readers are facing or witnessing unsafe conditions for children, contact local child protective services or emergency services. Community resources exist to support families in need and to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Summary: The legal process continues as authorities pursue charges against the couple regarding alleged neglect affecting all three children. The infant’s death remains categorized as an unexplained sudden infant death with extrinsic factors, and the case will unfold through the court system with further investigation and hearings.