Woman Receives Suspended Sentence For Abandoning Toddler With Deceased Boyfriend

A Steelville woman received a suspended sentence and 120 days of shock time for abandoning her toddler in a vehicle with her deceased boyfriend.

Anna Windle, 32, received five years probation after pleading guilty Nov. 4 to first-degree endangering the welfare of a child involving drugs.

Windle was charged in August after walking away from her vehicle at Birdsnest Road in Steelville. Her child remained inside with Eric DeClue, 46, Cherryville, who was deceased.

Windle was located by first responders near the water’s edge. She fell down an embankment and was “substantially impaired and disoriented” according to the probable cause statement. 

Windle told law enforcement she left her work that night, went to DeClue’s house and they traveled along Long Springs Road. They consumed methamphetamine and went to the river, where she became ill.