Parents Sentenced After Indiana Baby Found in Rodent-Infested Home with Severe Injuries

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Written By Richard Perdomo

The case of severe neglect and harm inflicted on a six-month-old in Indiana has drawn attention to the tragic consequences of unsafe living conditions and parental negligence. The baby, who was found with over 50 rat bites and in critical condition, suffered injuries so severe that several of his fingers required amputation due to exposed bone and loss of tissue.

Emergency services responded on September 3, 2023, after the father, David S., called to report the infant’s injuries. Upon their arrival, responders were confronted with a scene marked by blood and signs of severe rodent infestation, leading them to urgently transfer the infant to Indianapolis for specialized treatment.

Medical personnel described the infant’s injuries as extensive, with bites concentrated on his face and body, requiring both a blood transfusion and amputation procedures. The home conditions were equally alarming, with the child’s bassinet located only feet from his parents’ bed in a cluttered room littered with food remnants and rat feces.

Bloodstains and rat activity throughout the room underscored the dangerous environment in which the baby had been living.

In court, the 29-year-old mother, Angel S., pleaded guilty to neglect and received a four-year sentence, including time already served and a suspended probation period.

Part of her sentencing includes mandatory mental health evaluation and adherence to prescribed treatments. David, with a history of prior convictions, faced additional charges tied to the welfare of other children in the household and received a 16-year prison sentence.

The local community, law enforcement, and prosecutor D. Moers expressed deep sorrow over the case, condemning the preventable harm done to the young child. In a statement, Moers emphasized the permanent physical and psychological impact on the infant, highlighting the need for greater vigilance around child safety.

The case has ignited discussions about child welfare, underscoring the necessity for preventive measures to avert such tragedies in the future. Authorities and community leaders hope that increased awareness will encourage parents and caregivers to prioritize safe living conditions for children.

 

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