Authorities in Evansville report that a woman and her 16-year-old boyfriend were taken into custody last Friday on various charges following the discovery of an unresponsive 4-year-old.
EPD released a statement stating that officers were sent to the 4500 block of Spring Valley Road at approximately 9 a.m. in response to reports of a child experiencing difficulty breathing.
Authorities report that the child was found in a state of extreme coldness, prompting emergency crews to immediately commence efforts to resuscitate the child. Officials report that the child is currently alive, although her brain activity is minimal.
According to authorities, Destiny Rhoades, 23, was not at home when her daughter was discovered by a roommate. According to EPD, Rhoades’ 16-year-old boyfriend was discovered inside the apartment, along with three other adult females who share their residence.
Authorities report that the adolescent partner was found by law enforcement in February, at the age of 15, following a report of his disappearance from Fort Wayne. A young individual was taken to a facility for youth care initially, but it is reported that they managed to escape and were subsequently discovered at Rhoades’ residence.
Rhoades has been taken into custody and is facing charges related to the involvement of a minor in unlawful activities. According to a release, the juvenile disappeared once more during the period when Rhoades was supposed to attend a court hearing in Evansville in April.
Authorities were alerted by a roommate who reported observing bruises on the child’s body, particularly around the neck, as well as a human bite mark on her forearm.
According to detectives, the 16-year-old confessed to biting the child, but claimed it was in response to her biting him first. According to a roommate, the child appeared to be “staring off and was nauseous” while under Rhoades’ supervision on Thursday evening, as reported by Tristate Homepage News.
Rhoades has been taken into custody and faces charges of neglecting a dependent, which resulted in serious bodily injury, as well as contributing to the delinquency of a minor and invasion of privacy. A young individual has been taken into custody and is facing charges of battery causing significant physical harm and providing false information.
According to EPD, if the charges against the juvenile male change and he is transferred to adult court, his name will be made public.
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