Mother suspected of tasing autistic son in hospital has hearing delayed

The mother charged with tasing her son who has autism had her hearing delayed Thursday in Kern County Superior Court.

Tisa Armijo, 43, is charged with allowing or causing injury to a dependent adult, false imprisonment with violence and felon possession or use of a stun gun. She pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

According to a search warrant, Armijo is the mother and legal guardian of 23-year-old Steven Ferrel Jr., who has the mindset of a 2-year-old.

According to a probable cause statement filed in court by the Bakersfield Police Department, Ferrel is autistic. He, his mother and his stepfather Billy Underwood went to Kern Medical for a medical appointment, according to the search warrant.

Ferrel became uncooperative with medical staff, and while the staff tried to restrain Ferrel to his bed, Armijo used a stun gun on his abdomen, shoulder and arm, according to the probable cause statement.

The warrant stated Kern Medical staff witnessed Underwood trying to strangle Ferrel. However, Underwood was not charged in the case.

Armijo’s next court hearing will be on Aug. 8. She is currently out of custody.