Indianapolis Mother Charged With Attempted Murder After Video Allegedly Shows Smothering 1-Year-Old Child

Case centers on a short video and messages sent to the child’s father

An Indianapolis woman has been arrested and charged with attempted murder after investigators said a video showed her allegedly trying to suffocate her 1-year-old son. The charge follows a prior high-profile incident in which the same woman was the subject of an Amber Alert issued in July after police said she abducted her three children.

Authorities said the children were located safely later the same evening the alert was issued. The later-filed attempted murder allegation stems from separate evidence reviewed during the investigation, including a brief recording and accompanying messages that police said were sent to the child’s father.

What investigators say the video depicts

In court documents, police described a roughly 10-second video recorded in a bathroom. Investigators said the footage shows the woman holding the child with one hand fully covering his mouth and nose while he struggles to pull away. Police further alleged the woman pressed the back of the child’s head against her body and maintained a grip they characterized as strong enough that the child’s feet were dangling.

The attempted murder charge reflects prosecutors’ conclusion that the conduct described in the affidavit went beyond poor judgment or endangerment and met the legal threshold for an intentional attempt to cause death. In Indiana, attempted murder is typically charged when authorities believe a suspect took a substantial step toward killing another person.

Connection to July Amber Alert

Police said the woman was the subject of an Amber Alert in July after authorities alleged she abducted her three children. The alert ended after the children were found safe that evening. Investigators have linked the attempted murder filing to evidence involving the 1-year-old son and communications with the child’s father, rather than to the act of abduction itself.

What happens next in court

The attempted murder allegation is expected to proceed through an initial hearing, charging review, and pretrial litigation typical in felony cases. Key issues commonly litigated in cases involving digital evidence include authentication of the recording, chain-of-custody questions, and the context and timing of any related messages.

• Charge: attempted murder involving a 1-year-old child
• Core evidence described: a short video and related messages
• Prior event: July Amber Alert, with children later found safe

If you suspect a child is in immediate danger, call 911. Reports of suspected child abuse or neglect in Indiana can also be made to the Indiana Department of Child Services hotline at 1-800-800-5556.

This story will be updated as court hearings are scheduled and additional filings clarify the prosecution’s allegations and the defense response.