An Indianapolis mother is facing felony neglect charges after a 3-year-old in her care was found unresponsive last summer and later died, according to prosecutors. Court records state the child was discovered at a male friend's home on July 28, taken to a children's hospital, and pronounced dead. An autopsy later found the death was caused by accidental fentanyl intoxication.
What Investigators Say
According to WTHR, court documents reviewed by prosecutors say the child was found unresponsive with foam coming from his mouth and was later pronounced dead at Peyton Manning Children's Hospital. Investigators reportedly recovered video and other evidence that show the defendant holding foil with burnt residue while in bed with the child, and the defendant later tested positive for fentanyl.
WTHR also reports that a male friend told police he found the defendant screaming as she carried the 3-year-old out the front door, and that she now faces neglect charges that are set for trial.
Charges And Legal Stakes
Prosecutors have charged the mother with neglect of a dependent resulting in death, along with related neglect counts, according to court records. Under Indiana law, neglect of a dependent that results in a child's death can be charged as a Level 1 felony, which carries a potential sentence of 20 to 40 years. Lesser neglect counts are classified at lower felony levels, depending on the injury and circumstances, according to FindLaw.
The statute focuses on whether a caregiver knowingly placed a dependent in a situation that endangered the child's life or health, and recent court opinions have examined how that mental state must be proven.
Next Steps For The Case
Court records show a judge has set a surety bond and scheduled the case for a jury trial in April. The defendant remains presumed innocent unless and until she is proven guilty in court.
Filings in the Marion County docket will determine whether prosecutors decide to upgrade, consolidate, or amend the counts as the case moves toward trial, which is currently set for April 20, 2026.
