North Vernon, IN – Two Indiana parents have been arrested after allegedly locking their 8-month-old daughter in a room for up to 10 hours at a time so they could sleep, according to authorities. The infant was found to be severely malnourished, weighing just 9 pounds, and suffering from multiple health complications linked to neglect.
The Incident: Infant Found Suffering from Severe Neglect
The Jennings County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of Benjamin Joseph Tackett and Kayla Therese Thompson, both 25, after a child neglect investigation revealed disturbing conditions inside their North Vernon home, located about 65 miles southeast of Indianapolis.
According to a police statement, the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) contacted detectives regarding a potential case of child abuse and neglect involving an infant girl.
“During the investigation, detectives discovered the 8-month-old child was suffering from severe malnourishment, hygiene-related neglect, severe dermatitis, and developmental delays,” the sheriff’s office said.
At just 8 months old, the child weighed only 9 pounds, less than half the healthy average weight for an infant of that age, authorities confirmed.
Investigation and Evidence of Ongoing Abuse
Detectives found that multiple other children were also living in the home. Those children were immediately removed and placed with appropriate caregivers by child welfare officials.
Investigators conducted interviews with doctors, DCS caseworkers, and the siblings of the victim before questioning the parents. During interviews, both Tackett and Thompson admitted to knowing they were neglecting the child, according to police.
“Benjamin and Kayla advised detectives that they were tired after work, and at times locked the child in a separate bedroom for approximately 10 hours at a time so they could sleep,” investigators wrote in their report.
Authorities said the parents also missed several medical appointments and ignored previous DCS reports concerning the infant’s worsening health. A probable cause affidavit described a pattern of severe malnourishment, hygiene issues, and developmental delays directly linked to caregiver neglect, with no medical conditions contributing to the child’s state.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Following the investigation, detectives requested an arrest warrant for both parents. Tackett and Thompson were charged with:
- Two counts each of neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury
- Two counts each of neglect of a dependent
They were taken into custody and booked at the Jennings County Jail on Wednesday, where they are being held pending a court appearance.
Court records show neither Tackett nor Thompson had any prior criminal history in Indiana. They are scheduled to appear before Circuit Judge Murielle S. Bright on November 13.
Statements from Law Enforcement and Child Welfare Officials
The Jennings County Sheriff’s Office said the case highlights the critical role of mandatory reporting and child welfare intervention. Officials credited the Indiana Department of Child Services with alerting authorities and preventing further harm to the child.
“This was one of the most severe cases of neglect we’ve seen in recent years,” one official said. “The cooperation between DCS and local law enforcement helped us act before the situation turned fatal.”
The sheriff’s office confirmed that medical evaluations are ongoing for the infant and her siblings. The child remains under protective care and is receiving emergency nutritional treatment and therapy to address developmental delays.
Background Context: Child Neglect and Indiana Law
Under Indiana Code § 35-46-1-4, neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury is a Level 3 felony, punishable by up to 16 years in prison per count. If found guilty, Tackett and Thompson could face decades behind bars.
Child advocates say this case underscores the importance of community vigilance and early intervention. Experts emphasize that neglect cases often stem from chronic stress, substance abuse, or lack of parental support—but such circumstances never justify endangering a child’s life.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
The Jennings County Prosecutor’s Office is reviewing additional evidence, and further charges could be filed depending on the results of medical evaluations. Officials say the other children removed from the home are safe and will remain in protective custody while the case proceeds.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to examine past DCS reports and missed medical visits. The court is expected to determine temporary guardianship for the surviving children ahead of the November hearing.
Conclusion
The case of Benjamin Tackett and Kayla Thompson has sent shockwaves through Jennings County, highlighting the devastating consequences of parental neglect. As their infant daughter recovers under state care, prosecutors are preparing to seek maximum penalties to ensure accountability for what they describe as “prolonged and deliberate cruelty.”
What are your thoughts on this heartbreaking case? Share your opinions in the comments below.
