Indianapolis, IN – A young Indianapolis mother has been sentenced to nine years after admitting to neglect in the death of her baby daughter, a case that has weighed heavily on the community for nearly three years. The emotional change-of-plea hearing revealed new details about the moments leading up to the child’s death and the unresolved questions surrounding who caused the fatal injuries.
Jayda Styles, 24, pleaded guilty Friday to neglect resulting in serious bodily injury in connection with the death of her daughter, Harmonnie Jones. Though she insisted she did not harm the baby, she acknowledged failing to protect her.
“I’m not guilty of harming my child, but I will say that I’m guilty of neglect because I didn’t see,” Styles said during the nearly three-hour hearing.
The judge, noting what he believed to be genuine remorse, imposed a nine-year sentence that includes six years in prison and three years of probation. Because she has been in jail since her 2024 indictment, and with good-behavior credits available, Styles may serve significantly less than the full six years.
How the Case Reached a Plea Agreement
The sentencing concluded a lengthy legal process that intensified in March 2024, when Styles was indicted on an aggravated battery charge carrying the potential for decades in prison. That charge was reduced under a plea deal after investigators struggled to determine exactly who inflicted the fatal injuries, given conflicting statements from the four adults living in the home.
Prosecutors said the agreement was not taken lightly but represented the strongest possible outcome given the circumstances.
“Certainly, no one is happy about it, but it will hopefully get some justice for Harmonnie and hold Jayda accountable for her actions,” Deputy Prosecutor Kristin Orr said.
What Happened the Day Baby Harmonnie Died
In court, it was revealed that Harmonnie’s maternal grandmother discovered the infant unresponsive on January 8, 2023, inside the family’s small apartment. Body camera video captured Styles distressed and crying as first responders worked to save the child.
Both Harmonnie and her twin brother were rushed to the hospital. The baby boy survived, but Harmonnie later died from blunt force trauma. Medical examiners reported extensive injuries, including broken ribs, abdominal bruising, lacerated organs, and internal bleeding.
“This child was split open and bled to death internally in that tiny little room,” Orr said. “If she didn’t do it, then she failed her in the most unimaginable way possible.”
Defense Claims Another Adult Caused the Injuries
Throughout the hearing, Styles’ defense team pressed the theory that Harmonnie’s father caused the fatal injuries. Witnesses described Styles as a loving and attentive mother and questioned why investigators had not pressed charges against the father.
“In a perfect and fair world, the father would also be facing charges,” defense attorney Kailey Ruggiero argued, adding that she believed police failed to thoroughly investigate him.
The twins’ father has never been charged, and his family strongly disputed the defense’s claims in court.
Family Members on Both Sides Still Searching for Answers
Many relatives attended the hearing, expressing deep sadness that the truth about what happened may never be known. Harmonnie’s paternal aunt, Eriana, said she still feels unresolved but appreciated the prosecution’s persistence.
“I can’t say that I’m at ease or at peace,” she said. “It’s not the justice that we want, but at the end of the day the Lord always got the last say-so.”
Harmonnie’s foster mother, who has since adopted the surviving twin, also testified. She brought a photo of the smiling siblings and the tiny white coat Harmonnie wore during her final hospital visit.
“There is no justice. Harmonnie is dead,” she said. “Why should her brother have to live without that bond?”
Still, she acknowledged the sentence brings some accountability.
“She’s not walking out free today, and she still has to think about what she did every single day and how she failed her child,” she said.
A Case That Leaves a Lasting Impact
The tragic circumstances surrounding Harmonnie’s death and the unanswered questions continue to cast a shadow over the family. While the plea agreement brings the legal proceedings closer to an end, loved ones say the emotional wounds remain.
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