Indianola woman charged with murder after infant's death
An Indianola woman is facing charges after an infant died in her care.
Melissa Hancock, 51, turned herself in Wednesday morning. Investigators say Hancock, who runs an in-home day care in the 300 block of E Clinton Avenue in Indianola, was caring for a 4-month-old boy when he was found unresponsive back on Oct. 8, 2024.
The infant was taken by helicopter to a Des Moines hospital but died four days later. Investigators say medical examinations found injuries consistent with child abuse caused by Hancock.
Officers allege in court documents it was later determined the infant had a traumatic skull fracture, spinal trauma consistent with inflicted blunt force trauma and bilateral retinal hemorrhaging.
She was booked into the Warren County Jail and has been charged with first-degree murder.
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