An Indianapolis mother faces charges of neglect resulting in death after her 2-year-old daughter, Skylar Gardner, was found dead under a dresser in their northeast side apartment. According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD), the tragic discovery was made on the evening of January 25, following a mother's call to 911.
As reported by WTHR, the 33-year-old woman was arrested following the investigation into the incident, which occurred in the apartment complex located at 6300 Newberry Road near Shadeland Avenue and Fall Creek Road. IMPD responded around 6:30 p.m. after receiving a report of a death investigation.
The IndyStar further detailed that the mother originally called for her two children, including the deceased 2-year-old, and her 4-year-old son, to come to eat dinner. While the son responded, Skylar did not. The subsequent search of the apartment led to discovering the girl beneath a dresser, unresponsive and not breathing. The mother called 911, and also reached out to her boyfriend to come to the apartment.
More disturbing details were uncovered in a probable cause affidavit cited by WRTV. The officers' protective sweep of the apartment noted the presence of trash, human feces on the walls and furniture, and a pungent odor of decaying food. The paramedics, upon examining Skylar's body, observed bruising, and injuries consistent with neglect, and a severe puncture wound to her neck.
The affidavit also included statements that illuminate the conditions in which the children were living. The mother reportedly confessed to leaving her kids alone at home for several hours each day and only checked on them once a day. "She also told police that she last bathed the kids a week or two weeks ago," according to the affidavit, adding that she often found her children with feces on their hands and feet. Additionally, the mother admitted to spending her nights at her boyfriend's residence, leaving the children unattended, as per IndyStar.
Investigations are ongoing into the cause of Skylar's death. Legal proceedings against the mother are also continuing.
