Indiana toddler died after reported severe neglect, police say

Police in Tell City say a 2-year-old was found dead and an autopsy attributed the death to severe malnutrition and dehydration. The child’s parents were arrested and charged, with court dates set for May 14 and May 28.

Police in Tell City, Indiana, say a 2-year-old boy was found dead at his home on March 31. Investigators reported the child was severely malnourished and that an autopsy found foreign material in his digestive tract consistent with diaper material and building materials. The child’s parents have been arrested and charged, and the state removed the couple’s two other children from the home. What authorities reported: - Officers arrived after a call March 31 and found the child unresponsive; an officer stated the child had likely been deceased for several hours. - An autopsy listed severe malnutrition and dehydration due to neglect as the cause of death and noted foreign material in the colon consistent with diaper material and building materials. - The parents were arrested April 3 and face murder and neglect charges. - The Indiana Department of Child Services removed the couple’s two other children; one child was hospitalized and reported to have severe malnutrition and dehydration. - Reported court dates: the mother is due back in court May 14 and the father has a hearing scheduled for May 28. Summary: Officials say the 2-year-old died of severe malnutrition and dehydration attributed to neglect, and investigators reported non-food material was found in his digestive tract. The parents have been charged and the case is proceeding through the courts with scheduled hearings in May.