A 9-year-old boy in Frankfort, Indiana, was allegedly starved by his father and stepmother to a weight of just 51 pounds, with visible ribs and severe fractures, while the adults complained that his constant begging for food prevented them from relaxing. Jacob Aaron Neal, 31, and Elizabeth Lynn Crow, 27, were taken into custody and charged with felony neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury after hospital staff reported suspicious injuries on the emaciated child.
Background
The investigation began on Aug. 26, 2026, when Indiana University Health Frankfort Hospital contacted the Frankfort Police Department regarding a child exhibiting signs of severe abuse and malnutrition. The boy was transported to Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis, where he was admitted in critical condition before his status improved to stable. According to court documents obtained by local affiliates WXIN and WTHR, the victim suffered from gastrointestinal bleeding, a fungal lung infection, broken teeth, bedsores, and open wounds on his hands. He also wore size 4 diapers and was reportedly unaware when he soiled himself.
The Charges
Neal and Crow are each charged with one count of felony neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury. Police allege the pair used starvation as a disciplinary measure, expecting the boy to care for younger siblings in the home despite his own dire condition. Text messages recovered by investigators reveal a disturbing pattern of behavior. In a message dated Sept. 8, 2025, Neal allegedly told Crow that his son "Can go without eating today to see how he likes it," to which Crow responded that the child needed to be spanked because he had already eaten that day. Another undated text from Crow described the boy begging for food "like a f—ing dog" and stated, "I told them to leave me tf alone & let me relax for a little bit." When questioned about the injuries, Neal claimed the child fell while climbing a bookshelf, while Crow said he fell from a swing, explanations doctors reportedly found inconsistent with the severity of the fractures.
Key Takeaways
- The 9-year-old victim weighed only 51 pounds and had visible ribs due to severe malnutrition.
- Medical exams revealed fractured ribs, spinal compression fractures, and a fungal lung infection.
- Text messages show the defendants discussed withholding food and locking the boy up as punishment.
- Elizabeth Lynn Crow’s bond was revoked because she was already out on bond in a separate child-neglect case.
- Jacob Aaron Neal’s bond was set at $40,000.
- The Indiana Department of Child Services removed other children from the home, finding them in good health.
What's Next
Both defendants pleaded not guilty during their initial hearings. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for Nov. 12. The case remains under active investigation by the Frankfort Police Department as prosecutors prepare for trial.
Bottom Line
This case highlights the tragic intersection of domestic neglect and medical crisis, where a child’s basic human need for sustenance was treated as an inconvenience to his caregivers.