Police: North Vernon parents malnourished, neglected infant

(NORTH VERNON, Ind.) – Two North Vernon parents are accused of malnourishing their infant. 

Jennings County detectives were notified by the Indiana Department of Child Services of an alleged child neglect report involving an 8-month-old baby. 

Investigators say the child was suffering from severe malnourishment, hygiene-related neglect, severe dermatitis, and developmental delays.  

The child weighs only 9 pounds despite being 8-months-old, police added. 

The parents allegedly admitted to neglecting the child and told investigators that they were tired after work, so at times locked the child in a separate bedroom for upwards of 10 hours so they could sleep.

The parents have been identified as Benjamin Tackett and Kayla Thompson, and they have both been charged with several felony charges related to child neglect. 

Police added that the infant and other children that were in the home were removed by DC and places with appropriate caregivers.