An Indianapolis mother, Chantell Gardner, has been arrested on charges of neglect following the death of her 2-year-old daughter, #SkylarGardner.
Authorities allege that Gardner, 33, routinely left Skylar and her 4-year-old brother alone in their apartment for extended periods while she stayed with her boyfriend, providing them with food only once daily, Law & Crime reports.
On the evening of January 25, 2025, Gardner reportedly prepared dinner and called for her children. While her son responded, Skylar did not. After searching the apartment, she found Skylar unresponsive under a dresser. She then carried her daughter outside and called 911.
Upon arrival, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers observed that the apartment was in deplorable condition, with trash, human feces, and soiled items scattered across the floor.
According to the outlet, Skylar “had been deceased for some time as rigor mortis had set in,” the affidavit said. “The girl was suffering from a large puncture wound on her neck and bruises on her face, arms, legs and back.”
Gardner reportedly admitted to leaving her children unsupervised most of the time, checking on them only once a day to provide food.
The Marion County Coroner’s Office has identified the deceased child as 2-year-old Skylar Gardner. Chantell has been charged with neglect resulting in death. The investigation is ongoing.
#Clique, this is devastating. Thoughts?