EVANSVILLE, Ind. (TCN) — A father was discovered responsible of kid neglect one yr after his toddler son was discovered residing in “deplorable, unlivable” situations with a near-fatal quantity of rat bites throughout his physique.
The Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Workplace introduced Sept. 11 {that a} jury convicted David Schonabaum of three baby neglect-related prices, together with neglect leading to critical bodily damage.
In accordance with the prosecutor’s workplace, on Sept. 13, 2023, Schonabaum contacted the Evansville Police Division and stated he discovered his 6-month-old son “in his bassinet lined in blood.” First responders arrived and instantly decided there was a rat infestation within the residence as a result of the little boy was “present in his bassinet in a pool of blood with over 50 bites to his physique together with his face and extremities.”
All 5 fingers on the kid’s proper hand have been lacking flesh and had uncovered bone because of the bites. The kid “almost died” from blood loss and is now “completely disfigured.”
The prosecutor’s workplace stated the Division of Baby Providers and a 3rd get together knew the household and have been offering help. An official from that third get together advised the prosecutor’s workplace that “regardless of their help, any progress within the situations of the home was fleeting.” Schonabaum was reportedly given rat traps to assist alleviate the issue, however Schonabaum didn’t ever resolve some other issues that the service suppliers introduced up.
Three different kids within the residence additionally suffered rat bites. The house was “overran by rats and bugs” and had trash and feces everywhere.
Prosecutor Diana Moers stated, “This child lived in an absolute home of horrors alongside together with his siblings and pet canine.”
Schonabaum faces as much as 16 years in jail.
Moers added within the assertion, “This case is horrific, and we’ll dwell with the photographs of this child eternally. It’s utterly surprising to the conscience that anybody would dwell in these situations, a lot much less permit their kids, child, and animals to dwell amongst absolute filth after they can not assist themselves.”
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