A young mother and her boyfriend in Indiana have been arrested after authorities say a 3-year-old girl was severely abused and left fighting for her life.
What Happened
Police say Kami Nelson, 23, and Lee E. O’Donnell Jr., 25, are each charged with neglect of a dependent resulting in catastrophic injury and serious bodily injury.
Officers were called to a rental home in New Castle on March 25 after reports of an unresponsive child. When first responders arrived, they found the toddler lying on the floor, not breathing, with severe injuries across her body.
Child’s Condition
The child was rushed to a hospital and later airlifted to a children’s hospital in Indianapolis. Doctors determined she had life-threatening injuries, including internal bleeding, damage to her intestines, kidney failure requiring dialysis, and widespread bruising.
Medical staff said the injuries were consistent with non-accidental trauma and would likely have been fatal without immediate treatment.
Conflicting Accounts
Investigators say Nelson initially told police her daughter may have been sleepwalking and injuring herself by walking into objects, but doctors said that explanation did not match the injuries.
O’Donnell gave a different account, accusing Nelson of repeatedly abusing the child and claiming he witnessed her becoming violent. He also admitted he did not report the alleged abuse because he feared losing his housing.
Authorities say both suspects ultimately blamed each other for the child’s condition.
Additional Findings
Investigators reported finding drug paraphernalia in the rental home, along with another young child present at the time. These findings have added to concerns about the environment in which the children were living.
Arrests and Legal Status
Nelson was arrested the same day the child was found, while O’Donnell was later taken into custody after missing a scheduled polygraph test. Both are being held in the Henry County Jail on $191,000 bonds and are scheduled to appear in court on June 11.
What Happens Next
The child remains hospitalized in critical condition, and the case is ongoing as authorities continue to investigate what led to the abuse.
