Second Woman Convicted in 2025 Charles City Child Endangerment Case

Just over a year after she was accused of child abuse, a Charles City woman has been convicted on felony charges, making her the second woman found guilty in the case.

In August 2025, Charles City Police arrested 34-year-old Stephanie Henigan and her wife, 32-year-old Ariana Henigan, on two counts each of child endangerment causing bodily injury, Class D felonies, plus two counts of aggravated misdemeanor child endangerment. 

CCPD’s investigation alleged the women used a cord and/or clothes hanger to “whoop” the children multiple times. The Henigans also denied the children food when preparing meals for themselves, going out for free popcorn, and entertaining strangers for money to use towards buying food.  

A physician diagnosed both children with severe protein malnutrition.

Last week, a Floyd County jury Ariana Henigan guilty on the two felony child endangerment counts, with the misdemeanor charges dismissed. Her sentencing is now set for October 23 and could be similar to Stephanie Henigan’s sentence, who was convicted in May, also on the two felony charges against her.

In late August, Stephanie Henigan received two consecutive sentences of up to two years in prison, but those prison sentences were suspended and she was placed on two years probation. She has filed for appeal.

On Monday (Sept. 28), Ariana Henigan filed motion seeking a new trial, while also filing a motion of failure of  defense counsel, claiming her attorney, William Morrison, was presented material evidence favorable to her defense
before trial, yet “she believes counsel failed to adequately investigate, develop, present, or utilize that evidence in her defense.”

As of Tuesday (Sept. 29), no hearing has been scheduled to consider either of her requests.