Woman who abandoned quadriplegic son in woods waives hearing

A woman accused of dumping her quadriplegic son in the woods of a Philadelphia park for five days so she could visit her boyfriend in Maryland has waived her preliminary hearing on attempted murder and related charges.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Monday’s decision by 41-year-old Niya Parler means the case will proceed directly to trial in Philadelphia Common Pleas Court.

Parler abandoned her 21-year-old son in April in a wooded area around the corner from his west Philadelphia home next to his wheelchair and a Bible before taking a bus to visit her boyfriend, according to authorities.

The son, who has cerebral palsy, had no food or water during the cold, rainy ordeal. He was treated at a hospital for malnutrition, dehydration and abrasions.