Two parents in Evansville, Indiana, are facing criminal charges after their 2-month-old son was brought to the hospital with multiple serious injuries, including 11 fractured ribs and bleeding eyes.
The parents, Lindsey Davis, 34, and MacQuell Davis Jr., 30, reportedly tried to explain their son’s condition by claiming he was “gassy” and that his car seat was too tight, according to police.
The Tragic Discovery
On April 21, the couple took their 2-month-old son to the hospital, initially attributing his symptoms to excessive gas. However, upon examination, doctors found far more serious injuries.
X-rays revealed that the baby had suffered 11 rib fractures—five on the right side and six on the left—as well as bleeding in his eyes, a condition known as retinal hemorrhages. The injuries were determined to have occurred about a week before the hospital visit.
The Parents’ Denial and Allegations
Both parents denied knowing about the injuries before the medical examination. According to police and Department of Child Services officials, Lindsey Davis admitted to seeing blood in her son’s eyes about a week before seeking medical help but did nothing to address it.
She allegedly claimed that she thought the blood could have been caused by the tightness of the car seat, which she believed was responsible for the injuries.
Lindsey also reportedly told authorities that one of her older children had experienced similar symptoms in the past but had been fine. However, medical experts disagree with this explanation, determining that the infant’s injuries were the result of physical abuse.
MacQuell Davis, the father, has also denied being aware of any incidents or accidents involving the child, and both parents continue to deny any involvement in causing harm to their son.
Legal Action and Charges
The severity of the infant’s injuries led to charges against both parents. They have been charged with neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury. The couple is currently being held in Vanderburgh County Jail on $25,000 bonds. Their children have been placed in the care of a family member.
The case has raised serious concerns about child abuse and neglect, and the investigation continues as authorities work to determine the full extent of the abuse and ensure the safety of the other children involved.
The arrest of Lindsey and MacQuell Davis highlights the importance of recognizing signs of abuse and seeking immediate medical attention when a child is injured.
The injuries sustained by their 2-month-old son are devastating, and the case serves as a tragic reminder of the responsibility parents have to protect their children from harm. As the legal process moves forward, the community remains deeply affected by this horrifying case.
