Indiana Couple Charged With Murder After Their 2-Month-Old Starved to Death

Two Indiana parents have been arrested in connection to their 2-month-old son’s starvation death.

According to FOX 59, 23-year-old Caylin Monroe and 22-year-old Jakob Scott were taken into custody Tuesday on charges of murder and child neglect resulting in death. The arrests came more than two months after the Warrick County Sheriff’s Office received a report of an unresponsive child at the couple’s rural home in Boonville. Shortly after arriving at the scene, emergency personnel attempted to resuscitate the infant, named Silas Scott, with CPR. Their attempts were unsuccessful, and the child was pronounced dead.

An autopsy performed by the coroner’s office determined the infant had died of “malnourishment and starvation.”

Silas’ mother, Caylin Monroe, told investigators that her child had “difficulty growing,” but was otherwise “healthy.” She said others had expressed concern over the baby’s small size, but she simply didn’t have the time “to call and get a new pediatrician” to examine her son. 

Monroe also claimed she had fed Silas after she got off work the day before; however, the autopsy found there was no formula or milk in his stomach. The mother then admitted there were times when she “forgot” to feed the child, especially when he was quiet or when she was preoccupied with her other kids.

Law & Crime reports just a month before Silas’ death, his mom and dad pleaded guilty marijuana possession and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Court documents also indicate a juvenile paternity case is active regarding two of Monroe’s children.

The parents are currently being held without bond.