MUNCIE — A 26-year-old woman was sentenced to 35 years in prison Wednesday, after her 5-month-old child was found with close to 20 bone fractures in 2023.
The sentencing comes after Montana A. Davis was convicted of Neglect of a Dependent Resulting in Catastrophic Injury, a Level 1 Felony.
After the sentencing hearing, Delaware County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Hoffman said, “The evidence in this case demonstrated that the 5-month-old victim sustained abusive head trauma (commonly referred to as shaken baby syndrome). Make no mistake about it, shaking a baby can irreparably harm a child. Approximately 25% of children who have been shaken die from their injuries. Among the survivors, approximately 60% are left with neurologic effects ranging from mild learning disorders to persistent vegetative states.
According to a probable cause affidavit, on January 26, 2023, Davis's 5-month-old baby was taken to the hospital by the child's father for a possible broken arm. A skeletal survey revealed the child had two broken legs, a broken arm, 15 rib fractures, and two skull fractures, accompanied by bilateral bleeds in the brain. The fractures were reported to be in various stages of healing, raising serious concerns about the child's well-being.
Doctors indicated that the fractures could be associated with a rare brittle bone disease, except for the skull fractures, which were ruled out as being related to that condition.
During the investigation, the father was detained at the hospital and reportedly stated that Davis was responsible for the child's arm injury, insisting he wouldn't go to jail for something he did not do.
Montana Davis was subsequently detained by authorities and provided her account of the events. She claimed that on the morning of the incident, the baby was lying on her stomach with her arm underneath her. According to her statement, she heard a pop while attempting to lift the baby, suggesting she may have accidentally broken her arm.
However, during the police interview, Davis was described as loud and irrational. She reportedly shifted blame, spoke to herself, and claimed she was a 24/7 mother with no other caregiver available for the child.
