In a disturbing incident in Muncie, Indiana, police were alerted to a situation involving two infants left unattended while their mother was in jail. The incident unfolded in the early morning hours of March 12 when a vehicle collided with a pole at an intersection. The driver, identified as 32-year-old Sandra Henriquez, was reportedly exhibiting signs of intoxication, including slurred speech.
Upon noticing a child’s car seat in the vehicle, officers inquired if Henriquez had any children. She initially denied having any dependents at 7:22 a.m. However, approximately 30 minutes later, while at the Delaware County Jail, Henriquez admitted to having children but refused to disclose her home address.
Later that afternoon, around 2:22 p.m., Muncie Police Department officers responded to calls from Henriquez’s neighbors who reported hearing infants crying from inside her home. Court documents reveal that the police had to force entry into the residence where they discovered two infants, a 1-year-old and a 9-day-old, both in heavily soiled diapers.
The newborn was reportedly showing signs of malnutrition, including blue extremities and lips, while the older child appeared to be in good health. Both infants were immediately transported to the hospital for medical attention. The newborn required treatment via a feeding tube. In addition to the children, police found several open beer cans and a dog confined in a cage without access to food or water.
By 3 p.m., Henriquez was moved to the Criminal Investigation Division for questioning. She allegedly confessed to leaving her children alone at home after consuming a six-pack of 16 oz. Budweiser cans and visiting a local bar, Big Shots Pub.
Henriquez is now facing preliminary charges including neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury, abandonment, two counts of neglect of a dependent, and obstruction of justice. She remains in custody at the Delaware County Jail with a bond set at $42,500.