MUNCIE, Ind. -- A 6-year-old girl was killed in a crash on State Road 67 in Muncie, Indiana on Sunday afternoon.
The crash happened in the northbound lanes of State Road 67, just north of Meeker Avenue.
Police say Jessica Skeens, 28, was driving a van with her boyfriend, Nathaniel Jordan, 27, in the passenger seat. Two of Skeens' children were in the middle seat with child restraint seats, and two more were in the backseat with no child restraint seats.
The couple were arguing when Jordan punched Skeens and grabbed the steering wheel, causing the van to slide to the right and roll over the ditch, police said.
Skeens' 6-year-old daughter, Taelyn Woodson was partially ejected out a window and killed.
“She was so beautiful,” said Woodson's grandmother, Kathy Parris. “She was the happiest child you could be around. She had a loving heart and loved to color and draw.”
A small memorial has been erected at the crash site.
The other three children were taken to IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital for minor injuries.
Skeens was taken to a hospital for treatment of a broken arm. Jordan was treated for minor injuries, then arrested on preliminary charges of neglect of a dependent causing death, criminal recklessness and domestic battery.
Police believe alcohol was a contributing factor in the crash.
6y.o. Taelyn Woodson, killed yesterday in a crash in Muncie. Police say her mom was punched by her boyfriend while driving, causing crash. pic.twitter.com/2f5qmcRXli
— Matt McClellan RTV6 (@mcclellantv) May 29, 2017
Taelyn just graduated kindergarten. @rtv6 pic.twitter.com/WV5C3zNe1n
— Matt McClellan RTV6 (@mcclellantv) May 29, 2017
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