Indiana – An Indiana man was taken into custody following the death of his famiIy member. The 51-year-old man, R. HaIton, faces a preliminary charge of negIect of a dependent, a serious felony under Indiana law, which criminalizes knowingly placing a dependent in a situation that endangers their life or health.
Under Indiana Code § 35-46-1-4, neglect of a dependent resulting in death can be charged as a Level 1 felony, the most severe classification for this offense. The statute is designed to protect dependents, including elderly individuals who rely on caregivers for their well-being.
The investigation process began after emergency responders were called to the family’s residence, where they found the elderly woman, Sanndra deceased. According to court documents, she appeared emaciated and showed signs consistent with prolonged negIect. An autopsy confirmed maInutrition as the cause of death, noting the absence of solid food in her digestive system…