Police were called to a home in Henry County, Indiana, on March 25 where they found a 3-year-old girl lying on the floor not breathing, her body black and blue and bruised nearly all over. The child was rushed to Henry County Hospital and then life-flighted to Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis, where she remained in critical condition with life-threatening injuries.
Background
Kami Nelson, 23, told investigators she believed her toddler daughter’s injuries were caused by the child "walking into door handles and similar items" while sleepwalking, according to a report from the Star Press. Officers at the scene described the girl as "appearing to have been beaten" with bruises covering her entire naked body.
Doctors at Riley Children’s Hospital determined the child had suffered non-accidental lacerations to her colon and lower intestine, along with internal bleeding. A subsequent medical report revealed the child had acute kidney injuries requiring dialysis and fractures to her nasal cavity and jaw. Medical professionals determined the injuries were consistent with child abuse.
The Investigation
During interviews with police, Nelson and her boyfriend, 25-year-old Lee O’Donnell Jr., began blaming each other for the girl’s injuries. O’Donnell told investigators he had been unable to find employment because he was afraid to leave his own 3-year-old daughter in Nelson’s care. He said he didn’t want to discuss what he had witnessed "because I don’t want to end up homeless," according to the affidavit.
Kami Nelson was arrested on March 25. Lee O’Donnell Jr. was arrested on Friday. Both have been charged with neglect of a dependent resulting in catastrophic injury and neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury. They are being held at the Henry County Jail on $191,000 bonds each.
Key Takeaways
- The 3-year-old victim remains in critical condition at Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis with life-threatening injuries
- Medical examination revealed non-accidental lacerations to the child's colon and lower intestine, internal bleeding, and fractures to the nasal cavity and jaw
- The child now requires dialysis due to acute kidney injuries
- Both defendants are being held on $191,000 bonds each and face charges of neglect of a dependent resulting in catastrophic injury and serious bodily injury
- The defendants allegedly blamed each other during police interviews
What's Next
Both Kami Nelson and Lee O’Donnell Jr. remain in custody at the Henry County Jail pending their initial court appearances. The case will proceed through the Indiana criminal justice system as investigators continue to compile evidence and medical records for presentation to a grand jury. The child’s condition remains critical, and medical staff at Riley Children’s Hospital continue to monitor her recovery.