COLUMBUS, Ind. – Two Columbus residents are in custody for felony neglect of a dependent charges as the result of an ongoing child abuse investigation involving a two-year-old boy.
The Columbus Police Department (CPD) was called to Nexus Park, on Wednesday, about suspicious marks on the child. Officers noted numerous red marks and bruises on the boy’s arms, face, and torso. Upon further medical evaluation, the child also had broken ribs.
Investigators believe the marks were caused by the child allegedly being struck with a cord. The child was taken into protective custody and placed with a family member.
As the investigation progressed and more evidence was gathered, the boy’s mother, Hanna McBride, 25, and her husband, Jose Manuel Villeda Gomez, 22, were arrested Thursday on the preliminary charge of neglect of a dependent (level 5 felony). The investigation is ongoing and more charges are possible. The suspects remain in the Bartholomew County Jail.
CPD would like to commend the reporting person for calling the police when they suspected the child was being abused or neglected. In many other states, certain people, such as doctors or teachers, must report child abuse or neglect. However, Indiana Code 31-33-5-1 says, there is an obligation of all citizens to make a report when they have “reason to believe that a child is a victim of child abuse or neglect.” Reports can be made by calling the police or the Department of Child Services.
All charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
McBride-Courtesy of CPD
Villeda Gomez-Courtesy-CPD
