Chantel Cunningham, a 24-year-old mother from Shipshewana, Indiana, has been charged with murder and neglect of a dependent resulting in death in connection with the death of her 5-month-old son.
Background
Cunningham was alone with her infant son, Greyson, at their home on April 6 when she suffered a fall after having a seizure. Police said Cunningham initially claimed that she dropped Greyson to the floor and then fell on top of him, causing fatal injuries. However, investigators soon uncovered information that would change the trajectory of the case.
According to court documents obtained by WSBT, Cunningham allegedly admitted to police that she had not taken her prescribed seizure medication for four months prior to the incident. That medication, authorities said, is designed to prevent seizures. Police noted in the documents that the seizures she experienced caused her to fall.
Indiana State Police detectives who responded to the home shortly after Greyson's death believed the circumstances surrounding the alleged fall warranted a closer look. The investigation revealed inconsistencies in Cunningham's account of what happened to her son.
The Investigation
"She changed her story about what happened to her baby several times," according to court documents cited by WSBT. Authorities said Greyson died of multiple skull fractures sustained during the incident at the family's residence.
Indiana State Police detectives who investigated the case determined that Cunningham's decision not to take her prescribed medication played a direct role in the circumstances leading to Greyson's death. The four-month gap in medication compliance, they alleged, resulted in seizures that caused her fall.
"She changed her story about what happened to her baby several times," according to court documents cited by WSBT. Authorities said Greyson died of multiple skull fractures sustained during the incident at the family's residence.
Following their investigation, authorities charged Cunningham with murder and neglect of a dependent resulting in death. She was arrested and booked into the LaGrange County Jail, where she remained in custody pending court proceedings.
Key Takeaways
- Chantel Cunningham, 24, has been charged with murder and neglect of a dependent resulting in death
- The incident occurred April 6 at the family's home in Shipshewana, Indiana
- Police allege Cunningham stopped taking her prescribed seizure medication four months before the incident
- Greyson, 5 months old, died from multiple skull fractures according to authorities
- Cunningham allegedly changed her account of what happened several times during police questioning
- The case was investigated by Indiana State Police detectives who responded to the home after the infant's death
What's Next
Cunningham is currently being held at the LaGrange County Jail following her arrest. She had been scheduled for an initial court appearance, though specific future court dates were not immediately available as of the most recent public records. The case is expected to proceed through the Indiana court system as prosecutors pursue the charges filed against her.