An Indiana foster mother is facing a level one felony charge of Neglect of a Dependent Resulting in Death after her 1-year-old foster daughter, Nova Bryant, drowned in a bathtub, reported WRTV. The incident occurred in May and the child succumbed to her injuries almost a month later at Riley Hospital for Children. Hailynn Volpatti, the 25-year-old foster mother from Brazil, Indiana, had initially told police she left the bathroom momentarily to get a drink, only to return to the tragic scene.
Court documents obtained by WTHR reveal that Nova had been born 32 weeks premature and faced significant health challenges, including developmental delays and dependency on a gastrostomy tube. The affidavit also cited a history of medical conditions like chronic feeding disorder and global developmental delay. Volpatti later changed her account, admitting to having been upstairs and on the phone with a friend, leaving all three children alone in the tub for what was ultimately confessed to be at least 30 minutes.
According to Kokomo Tribune, the charge was pursued after the Clay County Prosecutor's office received the final autopsy report confirming drowning as the cause of death. The decision to charge Volpatti hinged on her being the sole caregiver at the time and the determination that she neglected to provide adequate supervision by leaving the children alone in a water-filled bathtub for an extended period.
Volpatti is currently held in the Clay County Jail with a bond set at $75,000. A hearing is scheduled with Special Judge Matthew Sheehan. The death of Nova Bryant has brought forth not only grief but also discussions on the oversight of foster care and the grave responsibilities that come with caring for children, especially those with medical complexities.
