Indiana – An Indiana coupIe, 34-year-old Linsday and 30-year-old Maquell, were formally charged last week with negIect of a dependent resuIting in serious bodiIy injury after their child was brought to a local hospital with multiple injuries. Indiana authroties say the 2‑month‑old was suffering from bIeeding in both eyes and a bruise on his forehead when his mom drove him to the emergency room earlier this year, claiming the baby had beIIy problems. Doctors later revealed the infant had suffered dozen ri b fractures.
Doctors determined the eye hemorrhaging and rib breaks were most consistent with inflicted trauma. Physicians explained that retinal hemorrhages in infants typically result from severe trauma such as suffocation, smothering, strangulation, or a direct blow—conditions not consistent with a tight car seat or gas issues.
The victim’s mom told Indiana authorities she had first noticed the baby’s eyes were bIeeding about a week before taking him to the hospitaI but attributed this to having gasses and the car seat being too tight. The victim’s dad said he was unaware of any accidents or drops that could explain the injuries, though he described the baby as fussy after being discharged from the hospital. Both parents denied any awareness of wrongdoing prior to the medical findings.
Indiana authorities launched a formal child abuse investigation after medical staff alerted local law enforcement to the severity of the baby’s condition. Law enforcement and the Department of Child Services reviewed the medical records and radiology reports that confirmed 11 fractured ribs—five on the right side and six on the left—consistent with repeated forceful compression. Bloodwork also showed patterns of head trauma; the combination of signs led investigators to rule out accidental causes.
During interviews, the victim’s mom described the baby’s hemorrhages as visible for several days before seeking care. She claimed she noticed these only about a week earlier but did not seek prompt medical attention. She explained that another child in the house had similar but milder symptoms previously and recovered, which influenced her delay. Police also captured her in hospital surveillance footage as she placed the infant in a car seat and drove to the hospital.
Indiana authorities later determined the injuries could not align with the parents’ explanation involving a car seat or gas. The combination of ocular bIeeding and numerous rib fractures led them to file charges of neglect of a dependent causing serious bodily injury. Both parents were subsequently booked into the county jail, each held on a $25,000 bond. Their other children have since been placed in the custody of a relative while the investigation continues.
The investigation is ongoing as Indiana authorities seek to establish the full timeline of the baby’s injuries and determine whether other family members were aware of the severity of symptoms or warning signs. Prosecutors have also requested additional records, including caregiving logs and phone history, to better understand supervision and reporting. The Department of Child Services is reviewing protocols for early detection in cases where infants present with non‑specific symptoms like fussiness or “gassiness.”
