FUQUAY-VARINA, North Carolina — A 52-year-old mother is facing murder charges after investigators say she watched her young son’s health collapse for months — and never once called for help.
Holly Wren, of Fuquay-Varina, about 15 miles southwest of Raleigh, has been charged with second-degree murder and felony child abuse inflicting serious bodily injury in connection with the death of her 12-year-old son, Jacob Wren.
Jacob died on March 24, 2025, in Wake County.
What Investigators Say Happened
According to a grand jury indictment, Wren “willfully” refused to seek medical attention for Jacob’s untreated diabetes.
Investigators say her “grossly negligent omissions” in his care showed a “reckless disregard” for her own son’s life. Authorities have not released further details explaining why Wren allegedly allowed the situation to go on as long as it did.
A Wake County grand jury indicted her on Tuesday. She was arrested two days later and booked into the Wake County Jail, where she is currently being held without bond.
If convicted on the murder charge, Wren could face up to life in prison.
Who Jacob Was
Behind the charges is a child his family remembered as full of life.
Jacob’s obituary described him as a “bright young soul” who loved video games, beach trips, aquariums, and learning about space. He was close with his older brother Tyler and had a special bond with his two dogs and cat.
“Shy, loving, and happy,” the tribute read — a boy whose curiosity stretched, as his family put it, to the moon and beyond.
He was 12 years old.
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