Stark County mother, boyfriend accused of severely beating her child

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 23-year-old Osnaburg Township woman and her 25-year-old boyfriend have been charged with felony neglect of a dependent resulting in catastrophic injury and serious bodily harm after allegedly beating the woman's 3-year-old daughter so severely she needed dialysis. The abuse allegedly occurred over a 10-day period while the family was staying at an Airbnb in New Castle, Indiana.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of child abuse and the devastating impact it can have on young victims. It also raises questions about the responsibility of adults entrusted with a child's care and the need for stronger safeguards to protect vulnerable children, especially when families are staying in temporary accommodations.

The details

Police found the unconscious, severely bruised girl in the Airbnb apartment on March 25 after the boyfriend called 911 to report the child wasn't breathing. The girl had abdominal bleeding, abdominal trauma, cuts to her small intestine and colon, fractures to her nasal cavity and jaw, and kidney damage requiring dialysis. The mother initially claimed the girl was injured from sleepwalking but later blamed the boyfriend, while the boyfriend did not show up for a scheduled polygraph test and fled before being apprehended on Interstate 70.

• The alleged abuse occurred from March 15 to March 25.
• The girl was found unconscious in the Airbnb apartment on March 25.
• The boyfriend was stopped on Interstate 70 on March 27 after fleeing the Airbnb.

What they’re saying

What’s next

An initial trial date of July 20 has been scheduled for Nelson and O'Donnell, who have been charged with felony neglect of a dependent resulting in catastrophic injury and serious bodily harm.