JAY COUNTY — A 27-year-old mother in northeast Indiana is accused of beating her 5-year-old son to death and molesting a 9-year-old girl since the time she was 7, according to court records.
Charges were filed against Chelsea Crossland, of Portland, after police responded March 24 to the 600 block of South Western Avenue, in Portland, to investigate the death of her son, Christian Crossland, according to a probable cause affidavit.
There, Crossland told police Christian had fallen and become unresponsive. Police found Christian severely malnourished, with injuries on his face and body, and wearing only a diaper.
An autopsy found Christian died from complications of blunt force trauma to his head and oral cavity. It also showed he was malnourished and dehydrated and had abrasions and contusions on his body, according to the affidavit.
Investigators were later told Crossland said she wished Christian were dead and that she molested a 9-year-old girl for about two years.
Crossland is charged with murder, neglect of a dependent resulting in death and child molestation, all level 1 felonies, according to online court records.
An initial court appearance has not been scheduled for Crossland.
-
LEAP water discharge won't happen inside Eagle Creek Park
Lebanon Utilities said Eagle Creek Park is no longer being considered as a discharge location for treated wastewater from the LEAP industrial site in Lebanon.
Indiana Center for Recovery helps patients seek new paths for treatment
The Indiana Center for Recovery is helping people who are suffering from emotional trauma, depression related to military service, and other mental health challenges explore new paths for treatment.
Gas prices in Indiana around $5
At nearly $5 a gallon, filling up with regular unleaded gasoline has forced some Hoosiers to rethink their daily routines as prices climbed fast across the state in a week.
IU football going to the White House to celebrate national title on May 11
After winning the national championship, IU football is headed to the White House on Monday, May 11, sources tell Sports Director Anthony Calhoun.
