An Indianapolis mother is facing neglect charges after the death of her 2-year-old daughter.
According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, 33-year-old Chantell Gardner is charged with neglect, resulting in the death of 2-year-old Skylar Gardner.
Chantell had left her two kids, aged 2 and 4, at home alone while she visited her boyfriend for several hours.
According to reports, she usually returns from her boyfriend’s house for brief periods to check on her kids.
When she did her routine check-in last week, she found her daughter dead and called the police.
A probable cause affidavit revealed on Jan. 25, officers responded to a call placed by the woman, who reported finding her daughter unresponsive underneath a dresser in their apartment.
When officers arrived at the scene, the woman claimed she had been preparing dinner and had called for her children—her 4-year-old son and her 2-year-old daughter—to eat. When the son came, the girl did not respond. After searching the home, the woman told police she found her daughter cold to the touch and not breathing.
In an attempt to save her daughter, she said she carried her daughter outside and called 911 while also contacting her boyfriend.
Upon evaluating the apartment, officers conducted a protective sweep. They noted trash scattered throughout the living space, human faeces on the walls and furniture, and a strong odour of rotting food permeating the air.
Minutes later, emergency medical personnel arrived and pronounced the child deceased. The paramedics noted that she was cold, and rigor mortis had already set in.
Upon examining her body, medical personnel observed bruising and injuries on her face, arms, legs, back, and vagina.
In addition, IU Health Riley Children’s Hospital’s Child Protection team confirmed the child had a large puncture wound to her neck.
