Infant’s Life Threatened by Over 50 Rat Bites; Parents and Aunt Arrested
OAN’s Abril Elfi
4:49 PM – Sunday, September 24, 2023
The parents and aunt of an infant in Indiana have been charged after the child almost died in their care from “over 50 rat bites.”
The Shocking Incident: Infant Found with Over 50 Rat Bites
The parents of a six-month-old infant and the child’s aunt were charged in Evansville, Indiana, after police said that they found the baby inside the family’s “rodent-infested” home.
According to the arrest affidavit, Evansville Police Department officers responded to a 9-1-1 call on September 13th when the child’s father, David Anthony Schonabaum, said that his six-month-old baby was found face down in his bassinet with wounds all over his face and body.
David and his wife Angel Schonabaum reported that the baby boy had more than 50 bites on his forehead, right cheek, and nose.
According to reports, there was a deep flesh wound on the child’s left ring finger that exposed bone. Bite marks ran down his right hand that stretched from his hand to his elbow.
Police documents also stated that all four of the child’s fingers and thumb on his right hand were “missing skin” on top, revealing the fingertip bones, with the index and pinky fingers displaying the worst wounds.
Hospital records that were released to the press asserted that the infant suffered a “near fatal event.”
The father of the child reportedly told authorities that their rat-infested house had already been professionally handled. He presented service records indicating that the residence was treated numerous times, beginning in the spring of 2023.
David also said that he lived in the home with his wife Angel and their three children. Delaina Thurman, Angel’s sister, and her two children also lived in the home.
Angel had reportedly checked herself into a mental health facility on September 10th and she was released a day early on September 13th, due to the incident involving her son.
According to the affidavits, the other children had notified a teacher at school earlier this month that mice had bitten their toes while they slept, which prompted the Department of Child Safety (DCS) to visit the residence a few days later.
However, Thurman claimed to the DCS official that the marks on her children’s toes were caused by “scratching on the bed frame.”
The Schonabaums also reportedly had two previous encounters with DCS.
David and Angel were charged with maltreatment back in December 2022 after their middle child was harmed due to “lack of care.” Later, in June 2023, DCS validated an accusation of physical abuse against David by the same child, who was 3-years-old at the time.
On Friday, Police Sergeant Anna Gray told reporters that the baby had been released from the hospital and was placed in foster care.
David, who is currently facing three counts of neglect of a dependent child violations, and his wife Angel, who is facing five, are currently being held on a $10,000 bond. Thurman, the aunt, is being held on a $2,500 bond.
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What measures will be implemented to improve child welfare services, regulations, and public awareness to prevent similar cases of neglect and endangerment in the future
Smith held a press conference to address the shocking incident involving the infant found with over 50 rat bites. This disturbing case has sparked outrage and concern in the Evansville, Indiana community and beyond.
The parents of the six-month-old baby, David Anthony Schonabaum and Angel Schonabaum, along with Angel’s sister, Delaina Thurman, have been charged in connection with the child’s near-death experience. The child’s aunt, who also lived in the rat-infested home, is believed to have played a role in the neglect and endangerment of the infant.
According to the police affidavit, officers responded to a 9-1-1 call on September 13th reporting a baby found face down in a bassinet with numerous wounds on its body. The infant had more than 50 bites on its forehead, right cheek, and nose, and there was a deep flesh wound on the child’s left ring finger.
Hospital records indicate that the infant suffered a “near fatal event” and required immediate medical attention. The severity of the injuries is deeply troubling and raises questions about the conditions in which the child was living.
David Schonabaum claimed that the rat-infested house had been professionally handled, with service records indicating multiple treatments since the spring of 2023. However, it is evident that these efforts were insufficient to ensure the safety and well-being of the child.
The involvement of the Department of Child Safety (DCS) raises additional concerns. The Schonabaums had previously encountered the DCS in December 2022 when their middle child was harmed due to a “lack of care.” In June 2023, David faced an accusation of physical abuse from the same child. These prior incidents highlight a pattern of neglect and abuse within the family.
Of particular concern is the fact that the other children living in the rat-infested home also reported being bitten by mice while they slept. This information was brought to the attention of a teacher, leading to a visit from the DCS. However, Delaina Thurman claimed that the marks on her children’s toes were from scratching on the bed frame, attempting to dismiss the seriousness of the situation.
The neglect and endangerment of children is a grave offense that must be addressed swiftly and firmly. The well-being and safety of our youngest and most vulnerable citizens should be a top priority for every member of society. It is essential that we ensure support systems are in place to identify and intervene in cases like this, preventing further harm to innocent children.
The charges brought against the parents and aunt shed light on the urgent need for improved child welfare services, stricter regulations, and increased public awareness. We must come together as a community to protect our children and provide them with the care and love they deserve.
As this case unfolds, we must keep the young victim in our thoughts and prayers, hoping for a full recovery and a safe, nurturing environment as they continue their journey to heal from this horrific ordeal. Let us also use this incident as an opportunity to reflect on our responsibilities as a society to protect and advocate for the well-being of all children.
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