A toddler from Indiana is in a critical condition after sustaining severe head injuries, allegedly inflicted by his 12-year-old babysitter who, according to the family, has a history of anger issues. The toddler, Noah Brown, is currently sedated and on life support at the Riley Children’s Hospital, following the incident that took place on November 29 at his father’s residence in Indianapolis. The young boy has experienced multiple seizures due to the severity of his injuries.
Michelle Lane, Noah’s mother, revealed in an online petition that the babysitter was her ex-husband’s stepson, who was entrusted with the care of Noah and his 5-year-old brother. The identity of the 12-year-old babysitter, who now faces charges of aggravated assault, serious bodily injury to a person under 14, and possession of personal weapons, has not been disclosed.
Noah’s grandmother, Candy King, described him as a cheerful child who loved everyone. She recounted the incident, stating that the babysitter lost control when Noah began crying, resorting to physical violence that included hitting him with a belt and throwing him towards a bed, causing his head to hit the bed frame. The babysitter then allegedly rammed Noah’s head into a wall, causing him to collapse under the bed.
According to Lane, the severity of Noah’s injuries necessitated life support and the removal of a part of his skull. She also revealed that the babysitter justified his actions by claiming that Noah was being ‘annoying’ while crying. Lane expressed her concerns about Noah’s long road to recovery and the uncertainty surrounding his quality of life. To add to the family’s distress, Noah is also battling COVID-19.
In her online petition, Lane highlighted the lack of a legal age requirement for babysitting in Indiana and called for a law mandating babysitters to be at least 16 years old. She also advocated for mental health checks for those entrusted with the care of children. King, on the other hand, shared that doctors are attempting to wean Noah off the breathing tube and sedation, hoping he can breathe independently and regain consciousness.