Richmond, Indiana – A heartbreaking case has emerged from Richmond, Indiana, where a 19-year-old autistic and wheelchair-bound teenager was found dead inside a padded stall in her home, surrounded by used diapers, garbage, and feces. The teen’s mother, Liza Lindsay, 41, is now facing felony neglect charges, accused of leaving her disabled daughter to die in deplorable conditions.
The tragedy highlights severe neglect and the mistreatment of vulnerable children, sparking outrage and concern over child welfare oversight. Investigators painted a chilling scene of squalor and disregard within the home, raising questions about the responsibilities of caregivers for disabled dependents.
A Grim Discovery Inside the Home
On July 24, Richmond police responded to a call about an “unresponsive female.” Upon entering 1313 South 10th Street, officers were met with overwhelming filth. A detective described the strong odor combining cat urine, feces, and garbage as pervasive throughout the residence.
The officer’s affidavit detailed how they had to navigate through approximately a foot of trash, including fly strips covered with insects, before reaching the victim’s room marked with a Minnie Mouse photo on the door. The room was filled with black mold spots, dirty diapers, and feces. Inside a closed-off padded stall, the teen was found naked except for a partially attached dirty diaper, surrounded by brown filth on the walls.
- The victim suffered from severe autism, epilepsy, microcephalic disease, mitochondrial disease, and Pitt-Hopkins syndrome.
- Ammonia levels inside the residence were an alarming 9 ppm, far exceeding the state’s minimal risk level of 1.7 ppm.
- Two other minors, Lindsay’s teenage sons, were also found living under neglected conditions and have been taken into custody by Indiana’s Department of Child Services.
Mother’s Response and Police Findings
Lindsay attributed the deplorable state of the home to her depression, stating she stopped taking medication in January 2025. However, police records contradict this claim, showing her medication had not been discontinued. Following her daughter’s last seizure on the night of July 23, Lindsay allegedly placed her daughter in a recovery position and then stayed up watching Chinese dramas on her phone until after midnight.
“Liza said she waited until [her daughter] came out of the seizure, then placed her daughter in the recovery position… she stayed up watching Chinese dramas on her phone until sometime after midnight.”
Her boyfriend, Daryl Grubbs, also faces charges. A friend reported that both Lindsay and Grubbs were violent toward the children, and Grubbs was allegedly present when the victim was discovered but failed to provide proper care.
Legal Actions and Community Impact
The Wayne County Health Department and Indiana’s Department of Child Services intervened after the discovery, seizing custody of the surviving children. Lindsay and Grubbs have been charged with two counts of felony neglect each. Lindsay has since been released on bond, while Grubbs remains in custody.
- Charges focus on neglect and mistreatment of vulnerable dependents.
- The case has sparked discussions on the need for better monitoring and support for families with disabled children.
- Authorities continue to investigate conditions and responsibility for the tragedy.
Reflecting on Vulnerable Children’s Protection
This devastating incident underscores the critical importance of child welfare oversight and protection for those with severe disabilities. It calls attention to the responsibilities of guardians and the need for community vigilance.
“The neglect suffered by this young woman and her siblings is a stark reminder of how vulnerable children must be safeguarded by society.”
If you or someone you know suspects neglect or abuse, prompt intervention can be lifesaving.
What do you think about this tragic case? Have you encountered situations where disabled children need better protection? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
