2-year-old boy died after his mother’s boyfriend beat him to death while the woman was hospitalized, then claimed the child drowned in a bathtub; boyfriend charged

Indiana – In a harrowing incident in Indiana, a 32-year-old man, identified as R. Larkin, has been arrested and charged with the murder of his girlfriend’s 2-year-old son, J. Smith. The arrest of Ricky Larkin follows the devastating discovery of the young boy’s lifeless body in his home, marking a grim end to his short life.

On November 4, 2024, police officers were dispatched to a residence after receiving a call from the fire department about a child that was not breathing. Upon their arrival, first responders found Smith unresponsive and immediately transported him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Larkin, who initially identified himself as the boy’s father, claimed to have found Smith not breathing in the bathtub and attempted CPR to no avail. His initial account to the authorities described a tragic accident. However, doubts about Larkin’s version of events quickly surfaced. The circumstances under which Smith was found raised immediate suspicions. The police department, along with other local law enforcement agencies, began a thorough investigation. Their findings were alarming.

An autopsy by the coroner’s office conclusively determined Smith’s death was a homicide resulting from blunt force trauma, with no evidence supporting drowning as the cause of death. Further investigation revealed inconsistencies in Larkin’s account, notably the condition of Smith’s body, which was not consistent with someone who had been in water. Authorities also noted the presence of a metal bat near the bed, which seemed suspiciously placed.

Larkin was reportedly the sole caretaker of Smith at the time due to his mother’s hospitalization from a drug overdose. Despite a history of violence and drug use, Larkin had been left to look after the child, a decision Smith’s mother made due to her circumstances. On the day of Smith’s death, Larkin reportedly called the mother, urging her to come get the boy because he “had stuff to do.” He claimed he was giving the toddler a bath because one of the mother’s friends was supposed to pick the boy up, which is when the incident allegedly occurred

During police questioning, Larkin’s narrative began to unravel. Initially claiming that any marks on Smith were accidental results of a fall in the tub, he later changed his story after persistent questioning about the child’s injuries. Larkin conceded that the injuries could only have been caused by physical abuse. He shockingly described the tragic event as “karma” for his past misdeeds and admitted to being high at the time of the incident.

Based on the evidence and inconsistencies in his statements, authorities arrested Larkin and charged him with one count of murder. Currently held without bond in jail, Larkin faces severe legal repercussions for his actions. His arrest has not only brought to light his criminal past but also highlighted severe lapses in judgment regarding the care of young Smith.

The death of Smith highlights the vulnerability of children and the critical importance of ensuring their safety, especially when caregivers have a history of violence or substance abuse. As the legal process moves forward, the community hopes for justice and healing for those affected by this heartbreaking loss.