Two Evansville parents have been arrested and charged with neglect after their two-month-old infant was brought to a hospital with severe injuries, including multiple broken ribs that authorities say are consistent with physical abuse.
According to the Evansville Police Department, the infant was taken to a hospital on April 21 after showing unusual symptoms, including excessive gas and visible bleeding from the eyes over the course of several days. Medical staff performed X-rays, which revealed 11 fractured ribs along with other injuries, indicating ongoing trauma.
Investigators believe the injuries occurred approximately a week before the hospital visit, based on the healing progress of the rib fractures. Officials described the injuries as “consistent with physical abuse, the local ABC affiliate WEHT reports.
The child’s parents, Lindsey Davis, 34, and MacQuell Davis Jr., 30, were interviewed by investigators and reportedly denied any knowledge of how the injuries occurred. However, Lindsey Davis admitted she had seen blood in her child’s eyes about a week before the hospital visit.
In her explanation, Lindsey speculated that the rib injuries could have been caused by the baby’s car seat being too tight, an assertion that medical professionals did not find credible given the extent and nature of the fractures.
Following the medical findings, the Department of Child Services (DCS) took swift action, restricting both parents’ contact with the injured infant as well as two other children living in the household. According to authorities, no further injuries were reported in the weeks following the initial DCS intervention.
Both Lindsey and MacQuell Davis were booked into the Vanderburgh County Jail on Friday, facing charges of neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury, a felony offense under Indiana law. They are currently being held on $25,000 bonds each.
The case has drawn widespread concern across the Evansville community, with child advocates urging the public to remain vigilant and report signs of abuse. Law enforcement officials emphasized the serious nature of the charges and reiterated their commitment to protecting vulnerable children.
As the investigation continues, the fate of the couple’s other children remains in the hands of child welfare authorities. Further legal proceedings for the Davises are expected in the coming weeks.
Anyone with additional information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Evansville Police Department or Vanderburgh County Child Protective Services.