Mother of 6-month-old boy who suffered a near fatal event and was found covered in blood after being bitten multiple times by rodents, won’t spend another day in jail
Indiana – In a disturbing case in Indiana, a young mother has been sentenced after her six-month-old son was found in a deplorable state, covered in blood with over 50 rat bites. The details surrounding this case highlight severe neglect and the hazardous living conditions that the infant was subjected to, which has now led to significant legal repercussions for the parents.
On September 3, 2023, emergency services rushed to a residence after a distressing call reported a baby in dire need of medical assistance. The caller, David S., the father of the infant, shockingly described finding his son “covered in blood,” with injuries so severe that the baby’s fingers appeared to have been chewed off. Upon arrival, first responders provided critical care and swiftly transported the baby to a local hospital, which then necessitated an urgent airlift to a specialized facility in Indianapolis for further treatment.
At the hospital, the extent of the infant’s injuries was appalling. Medical professionals noted that the child suffered from more than 50 bites across his forehead, cheek, and nose alone, with additional wounds across his body. The severity of the injuries led to several fingers on his right hand being amputated due to the loss of flesh and exposure of bone. The medical team also administered a blood transfusion to counteract the near-fatal blood loss the infant experienced.
The living conditions uncovered by police at the family’s home were disturbing. The infant’s bassinet, positioned merely three feet from his parents’ bed, lay in a room rife with clutter, remnants of half-eaten food, and rampant rat feces. Detectives reported significant amounts of blood in the bassinet and evidence of rodent presence throughout the room, which painted a grim picture of the environment the child was exposed to.
The 29-year-old mother, Angel S., faced the consequences of her actions in court, where she was sentenced to a four-year term, credited for one year served, with the remainder suspended to probation. She pleaded guilty to one count of neglect of a dependent. Her requirements now include undergoing a mental health evaluation and adhering to any recommended treatments.
David received a harsher sentence due to his direct involvement and previous convictions. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison after being found guilty of child neglect and additional charges related to the wellbeing of their other children in the home.
The community and law enforcement have been deeply affected by the severity and nature of this case. Police and local prosecutors expressed their disturbance over the incident, emphasizing the preventable nature of this tragedy had the parents taken appropriate measures to secure their home and ensure the safety of their children.
Prosecutor D. Moers reflected on the lasting impact this case would have on all involved, stating, “The victim in this case was a 6-month-old baby who suffered horrific rat bites to his entire body while laying in a bassinet in his home.” The prosecutor highlighted the permanent disfigurement and profound negligence that led to this tragic outcome. As this case concludes, it serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of child safety and the dire consequences of neglect. The community and authorities hope that this case will raise awareness and prevent similar incidents in the future.