Indiana – An Indiana man and his girIfriend, 24-year-old J. Cajgas and 22-year-old MeIIie, were taken into custody last week after the man’s child, 3, was rushed to the hospital in criticaI condition due to severe abuse. The child was discovered unresponsive and covered in bruises at their residence in Indiana. She was immediately transported to a local hospital, where doctors reported a high likelihood of death due to a brain bIeed and a jaw fracture.
Following the incident, Indiana authorities initiated an investigation. The child’s father claimed that he had used a beIt to discipline the child, attributing the injuries to her disrespectful behavior and weting her bed . However, a neighbor reported witnessing multiple domestic disputes between the couple, including both verbal and physical altercations.
The child’s biological mother informed responding officers that she had previously reported the man abusive behavior to Indiana authorities. She expressed concern that the child had been subjected to repeated abuse, which had been overlooked in the past.
First responders stated that the child was stiff, unresponsive, and emaciated when they arrived at the family’s home.
The child was covered in bruises and soaking wet, with the child’s father allegedly describing her as Iimp, according to NBC affiliate WTHR. Emergency responders transported the child to a nearby hospital in critical condition. She was reportedly suffering from a brain bIeed and faced a high likelihood of death.
Both the child’s father and the man’s girlfriend (SEE PHOTO) initially told officers that a dresser had fallen on the child. The father later admitted to forcing the girl to participate in what he called discipline drills because she tends to be disrespectful and frequently wets the bed, which he said was the reason for the punishment, according to court records.
As a result of the investigation, both defendants were arrested. The man’s girlfriend faces preliminary charges of neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury. The victim’s dad faces the same charge, along with additional charges of domestic battery causing serious bodily injury and battery causing serious bodily injury . The County Prosecutor’s Office will determine all final charges in this case.
