INDIANAPOLIS, IN – A 3-year-old boy from Indiana is in critical condition after allegedly being beaten and thrown against a wall by his 12-year-old babysitter. The severe head injuries the toddler sustained have led to multiple seizures and his current sedated state on life support at Riley Children’s Hospital in Indiana. The incident took place on Nov. 29 in his father’s Indianapolis home.
Michelle Lane, the mother of the victim, stated in an online petition that the babysitter was her ex-husband’s stepson. He had been entrusted with the care of the 3-year-old and his 5-year-old brother. In the petition, Lane denoted that there is no legal age requirement for babysitting minors in Indiana, and she believes that the minimum age should be set at 16, especially for those caring for children under 6 years.
The babysitter, whose name remains confidential due to his age, now faces charges of aggravated assault, two counts of causing serious bodily injury to a person under 14, and possession of personal weapons.
Describing the tragic event, Candy King, the grandmother of the young victim, shared that the 12-year-old babysitter has “anger issues.” When Noah began to cry, he couldn’t manage the situation. The boy allegedly responded by beating him with a belt and throwing him toward the bed, causing Noah’s head to hit the bed frame. Trying to escape, Noah was then allegedly thrown against a wall, causing him to collapse under the bed.
Between the aftermath of the assault and battling COVID-19, Noah has a long and uncertain road to recovery. King noted the medical team’s efforts to gradually reduce his sedation and see if he can breathe independently.