5-Year-Old Kinsleigh Welty Found Dead in Indianapolis Home, Mother and Others Charged


Last week, authorities in Indianapolis, Indiana responded to a call about an unresponsive child. 

Upon arrival, they found Kinsleigh Welty, a precious 5-year-old girl, in terrible conditions.

Police Chief Chris Bailey described the scene as "horrific and beyond comprehension." 

Kinsleigh was rushed to the hospital, but sadly, she didn't survive.

In the following days, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) made several arrests. 

Kinsleigh's mother, Toni McClure (29), faces serious charges including murder. 

Her boyfriend, Ryan Smith (27), has been charged with child neglect resulting in death.

The investigation didn't stop there. 

Police later arrested Tammy Halsey (53), Kinsleigh's grandmother, on suspicion of child neglect contributing to the tragedy.

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Reports from WRTV indicate Kinsleigh was found in a deplorable state – lice covered her face, and her hair and feet were matted with feces.

Kinsleigh's great aunt, Carrie Hogan, shared on a GoFundMe page set up for funeral expenses that she had previously voiced concerns about Kinsleigh's well-being.

Hogan, alleges that child services investigated the home when Kinsleigh was just three weeks old.  

She believes a "failed DCS system" allowed Kinsleigh to be returned to her mother's care.

Adding to the public outcry, Indianapolis City-County Councilor Joshua Bain called the death a "systematic failure" and demanded "immediate action" to prevent similar tragedies.

As of now, Indiana DCS hasn't responded to requests for comment.

Court records reveal the charges against those involved. McClure faces charges of murder, unlawful confinement causing serious injury, and battery against a minor. 

Smith is charged with three counts of child neglect and one count of unlawful confinement causing serious injury.

Information on pleas or legal representation for McClure and Smith is unavailable at this time.  

Halsey's case details aren't yet reflected in online court records, but jail records confirm she's being held on a neglect of a dependent charge.

If you suspect child abuse, please don't hesitate to report it. 

The National Child Abuse Hotline is available 24/7 in over 170 languages, offering confidential support. You can reach them by calling 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) or visiting their website at www.childhelp.org.

We must work together to ensure the safety and well-being of all children.
 

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