In a heartbreaking case from Indianapolis, the tragic death of a two-year-old girl has led to murder and child abuse charges against her mother and her mother’s boyfriend. The child, Skylar Gardner, was found dead in a filthy apartment, prompting an investigation that revealed horrific neglect and abuse.
Key Takeaways
- Charges Filed: Chantell Gardner and her boyfriend Brian Thomas face serious charges including murder and neglect.
- Horrific Conditions: The apartment where Skylar was found was described as a "biohazard" with extreme neglect.
- Investigation Details: Police discovered multiple injuries on Skylar, including bruises and frostbite, indicating severe abuse.
Details of the Incident
On January 25, 2025, police were called to the Timber Point Apartments in Indianapolis after Chantell Gardner reported her daughter missing. Upon searching the apartment, officers discovered Skylar’s lifeless body beneath a fallen dresser. The conditions of the home were appalling, with feces and trash strewn about, and the temperature inside recorded between 46 and 51 degrees Fahrenheit.
Skylar was found with numerous injuries, including:
- Bruising over most of her body
- Bite marks on her back and arm
- Frostbite on her hands and feet
- A puncture wound near her neck, possibly caused by a rodent after her death
The Parents’ Actions
Chantell Gardner, 32, and her boyfriend Brian Thomas, 27, were not present to care for Skylar and her three-year-old brother. Investigators revealed that Gardner had been leaving her children unattended for extended periods, sometimes for days, while she spent time with Thomas.
Gardner admitted to police that she began leaving the children alone in October 2024, initially for short errands but eventually for longer periods. She described the home environment as unbearable, stating that she avoided staying there due to the overwhelming stench.
The Aftermath
Following the discovery of Skylar’s body, both Gardner and Thomas were arrested. Gardner was indicted on charges of murder and neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury, while Thomas faces charges of assisting a criminal by allegedly lying to police to protect Gardner.
The children’s father, who lives in Ohio, expressed his devastation upon learning of his daughter’s death. He had not seen Skylar in person since Thanksgiving 2024 and had been trying to reach out to her mother for updates on the children.
Community Response
The case has sparked outrage and grief within the community, highlighting the critical issue of child abuse and neglect. Local authorities are urging anyone who suspects child abuse to report it immediately, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable children.
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of a young life that was tragically cut short due to neglect and abuse. The legal proceedings against Gardner and Thomas are expected to unfold in the coming weeks, as the case draws attention to the urgent need for child protection measures.
Sources
- Indianapolis 2-year-old Skylar Gardner’s death leads to mother’s arrest, IndyStar.
- Parents charged with murder and child abuse in connection to death of five-month-old son | WRIC ABC 8News, WRIC ABC 8News.
