The Fort Wayne Police Department has arrested Shayla E. Mathews and Robert J. Egly following an investigation into alleged child abuse. Late last month, officers responded to a residence on Vance Avenue for a domestic incident and found that a 15-year-old girl, Mathews’ biological daughter, appeared to be a victim of prolonged abuse.
According to the City of Fort Wayne release, investigators reported the teen was subjected to daily excessive exercise and severe dietary restrictions, receiving only a small amount of food once a day. The situation escalated when the teen sustained visible injuries allegedly caused by Egly. She was treated at Parkview Hospital, and the Department of Child Services was contacted.
On Thursday last week, both suspects were taken into custody. Mathews faces preliminary charges of battery resulting in moderate bodily injury, intimidation, and three counts of neglect of a dependent. Egly faces charges of neglect of a dependent and battery resulting in moderate bodily injury.
The Fort Wayne Police Department worked with Parkview Hospital, the Department of Child Services, and the Dr. Bill Lewis Center for Children during the investigation. Both suspects remain in custody as the case proceeds through the judicial system.
