The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
Two older children gave police information about their 4-year-old brother’s severe burns and the days he went without medical treatment. The alleged victim was eventually taken to an Indianapolis hospital with burns on his back and left shoulder that extended down his left arm.
According to authorities, the older children said the injuries were visible right away. They allegedly told investigators the suspect had tried to hit her husband with boiling water during an argument involving the husband’s mistress, but the water struck their sibling instead. They also reportedly said their mom did not want to take the child to a hospital because she did not have enough money, and she was afraid of being blamed.
The suspect gave investigators a slightly different account of the incident. She reportedly said she had been in a domestic dispute with her husband when she threw boiling water toward him, but it struck her son instead. She said she did not initially notice that the boy had been injured and waited several days before seeking medical care.
The investigation began in June after the Indiana Department of Child Services notified Plainfield police about the child’s hospital treatment. Authorities confirmed that the burns were reported as being several days old and severe.
Charges were filed last week against both suspects. The woman was charged with neglect of a dependent resulting in injury, neglect of a dependent resulting in serious injury and criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon. Her husband was charged with neglect of a dependent resulting in injury.
Both suspects were arrested earlier this week. The husband was being held in the Hendricks County Jail on $2,000 bond, while the woman was being held on $7,500 bond.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a domestic violence offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.