A 32-year-old man from Indiana has been taken into custody on suspicion of murdering his girlfriend’s 2-year-old child. This week, authorities announced the arrest of Ricky Larkin, who faces a charge of murder in connection with the tragic death of young Je’Loni Smith.
On November 4, 2024, at approximately 5:30 p.m., officers from the Gary, Indiana Police Department arrived at a residence located in the 300 block of Arthur Street, following a call for assistance. This location is roughly 160 miles northwest of Indianapolis. A distressing call was received from the Gary Fire Department regarding a 2-year-old child in the residence who was unresponsive.
When first responders reached the location, they found the toddler, noting that the child was unresponsive and seemed to lack any signs of life. A man at the residence claimed to be the father of the child and informed officials that the young boy was “in the bathtub when he found him unresponsive.”
The individual claiming to be the father — later revealed to be Larkin, who is not actually the boy’s father — stated that he attempted CPR but was unable to revive the child.
A child was taken by emergency medical personnel to Methodist Northlake Hospital for treatment, where he was subsequently pronounced dead.
“The Gary Police Department officers on scene and Gary Fire Department observed some swelling to the child and at that time notified supervisors to contact Lake County Prosecutor’s Homicide Task Force, as well as Lake County Coroner and Lake County Sherriff Crime Scene Investigations,” the release states. “Members of the Homicide Task Force began a death investigation awaiting the autopsy.”
Following Je’Loni’s passing, an autopsy performed by the Lake County Coroner’s Office concluded that the manner of death was a homicide, with blunt force trauma identified as the cause. No evidence of drowning was discovered by the coroner.
A recent affidavit acquired by a Chicago news station revealed further insights into the tragic circumstances surrounding the toddler’s death.
Authorities quickly expressed doubts about Larkin’s account regarding the boy in the tub, noting that he was not wet. During the search of the disheveled residence, authorities discovered a metal bat that had been “placed conspicuously” near the bed.
Authorities later discovered that Larkin was keeping an eye on the boy due to the victim’s mother being hospitalized the day before from a drug overdose, although she had done so with great reluctance because of his violent past and drug issues.
On the day Je’Loni passed away, Larkin allegedly contacted the toddler’s mother, instructing her to gather the children as he “had things to take care of.” He asserted that he was bathing the child because a friend of the mother was scheduled to arrive and collect the boy, and it was during this time that the event occurred.
When questioned about whether he ever used violence to discipline the children, Larkin allegedly remarked that he “doesn’t hit kids,” suggesting that any bruises on Je’Loni’s body were likely due to a slip in the tub. Nonetheless, authorities indicated that he altered his account following relentless inquiries regarding Je’Loni’s injuries, conceding that the toddler’s wounds could solely stem from physical abuse.
Larkin allegedly informed authorities that Je’Loni’s passing was a form of “karma” for the “dirt” he had accumulated throughout his life. He acknowledged that he was under the influence when Je’Loni passed away.
Larkin remains in custody at the Lake County Jail with no option for bond.