Two Indiana parents are facing neglect charges after the death of their baby. Benjamin Joseph Tackett and Kayla Therese Thompson admitted to police that they failed to care for their daughter adequately. Due to their extreme neglect, the baby weighed no more than a newborn would when she died, and she had other health issues. It’s absolutely horrific that the couple not only admitted to the abuse but also had the most ridiculous excuse for why they couldn’t care for her.
In a news release, the Jennings County Sheriff Office said it was contacted by the Indiana Department of Child Services about the case. The agency was investigating a case of alleged child neglect regarding the 8-month-old baby girl.
“During the investigation Detectives discovered the 8-month-old child was suffering from severe malnourishment, hygiene related neglect, severe dermatitis, and developmental delays,” the release read. “It was determined at 8-months old the child weight approximately 9 pounds.”
The release also stated other children were in the home who were removed by the agency.
Detectives spoke to agency caseworkers, doctors, and the other children multiple times before speaking with Tackett and Thompson. During their interview, the couple, both 25, “admitted to knowingly neglecting the child,” per the release.
“Benjamin and Kayla advised detectives during interviews that they were tired after work, and at times locked the child in a seperate bedroom for approximately 10 hours at a time so they could sleep,” the release shared.
As a result, an arrest warrant was issued.
A probable cause affidavit was obtained by Law & Crime offering additional details about the case. Previous agency reports highlighted the baby’s “severe malnourishment, hygiene issues, and developmental delays attributed to caregiver neglect without underlying medical causes.”
The couple confessed to missing multiple doctor’s appointments for the baby. They admitted it “was due to lack of effort from mom and dad.”
Benjamin Tackett and Kayla Thompson were arrested November 5, 2025. They were charged with two counts each of neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury as well as two counts each of neglect of a dependent.
They are scheduled to appear in court for a hearing November 13.
If you suspect child abuse, you can call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 (1-800-4-A-Child) or go to Childhelp.org. The hotline is available 24/7.
