Fort Wayne, IN – An Indiana father and stepmother have been charged with child neglect resulting in bodily injury after allegedly allowing their teenage son to strangle and point a loaded 9 mm handgun at his stepbrother while doing nothing to intervene. The shocking incident, detailed in a probable cause affidavit, has drawn attention to serious parental neglect and child endangerment concerns.
The Incident: Boy Attacked and Threatened at Gunpoint
According to police reports, Anthony Rybolt and LaTasha Money were arrested after Rybolt’s son told investigators that Money’s teenage son—his stepbrother—strangled him and aimed a gun at his stomach.
The incident allegedly took place in late April, when the victim and his mother contacted police to report the assault. The boy told investigators that during an argument, his stepbrother jumped on top of him while he was lying on a bed and strangled him with both hands until red marks appeared on his neck.
The assault escalated when the stepbrother allegedly retrieved a black 9 mm handgun, pointed it directly at the victim’s stomach, and said, “I don’t need you anymore.”
According to the affidavit, the victim pleaded for help from his father and stepmother—who were both present—but instead of intervening, they allegedly told the stepbrother, “Just don’t kill him.”
Investigation and Evidence Collected
After the incident, the boy contacted his aunt to report what had happened. Witnesses later confirmed to police that the victim appeared “upset and afraid” and had visible bruising on his neck consistent with strangulation.
The affidavit also revealed that a week before the altercation, Rybolt and Money allegedly forced the boy to use his car to drive another child to St. Augustine, Florida, in an effort to evade a Child In Need of Services (CHINS) warrant.
When the boy returned from the trip, Rybolt and Money allegedly demanded his car keys so they could continue using the vehicle to avoid law enforcement. When he refused, the violent confrontation occurred.
Police later verified that the firearm involved was a loaded 9 mm handgun, and that Rybolt and Money’s failure to intervene directly contributed to the danger and bodily harm the boy faced.
Court Proceedings and Criminal Charges
Following the report on April 28, investigators arrested Rybolt and Money on Thursday, October 24, and charged them both with neglect of a dependent causing bodily injury, a Level 5 felony under Indiana law.
Court documents show both defendants were booked into the Allen County Jail, where they each posted a $10,000 bond before being released. They are scheduled to appear in court on October 27 for a preliminary hearing.
If convicted, they could face up to six years in prison and significant fines.
The stepbrother, whose age was not disclosed due to his minor status, is expected to face juvenile proceedings related to the strangulation and gun threat.
Statements and Reactions
The probable cause affidavit paints a disturbing picture of neglect and endangerment inside the family’s home. Authorities allege that Rybolt and Money “promoted and induced” the stepbrother’s violent behavior by refusing to stop him during the attack.
Law enforcement officials described the parents’ alleged actions as “reckless and dangerous disregard” for the safety of the child. Police also emphasized that the quick report by the victim’s mother likely prevented further harm.
“The boy’s statement and the evidence collected show a clear failure by both adults to protect the child from imminent danger,” investigators wrote in their report.
Witnesses told police they were “deeply disturbed” by the parents’ alleged inaction, describing the victim as “terrified and visibly shaken” after the assault.
Background Context: Child Neglect Under Indiana Law
Under Indiana Code 35-46-1-4, neglect of a dependent causing bodily injury is a felony offense. It applies when a parent or guardian places a child in a situation that endangers their life or health—including allowing physical violence or the use of a firearm against the child.
Legal experts say this case underscores how failure to act can carry the same weight as active abuse. The state’s Department of Child Services (DCS) is expected to conduct a parallel investigation into the family’s history and living conditions.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
Both defendants remain under court supervision pending trial, and the case has been referred to Allen County Child Protective Services. Authorities are working to determine if additional children in the home were at risk.
The victim is currently staying with his biological mother, who is cooperating with the investigation. Police have stated that mental health counseling and protective measures are being arranged for the boy.
The Allen County Prosecutor’s Office has declined further comment while the case is pending in court.
Conclusion
The Indiana case highlights the devastating consequences of parental neglect and inaction in the face of violence. As Rybolt and Money await trial, prosecutors say their focus remains on ensuring justice for the child victim and preventing similar tragedies in the future.
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