An Indiana woman has been sentenced to probation after pleading guilty to neglect following a horrific rat attack that left her 6-month-old son disfigured. Angel Schonabaum, 29, received a four-year prison sentence, with credit for time served and the remaining three years suspended, as ordered by a Vanderburgh County judge. This sentencing comes shortly after her husband, David Schonabaum, was given a lengthy prison term for the same incident.
The tragic events unfolded when David called 911 in September 2023 to report that their infant son had been viciously attacked by rats in their Evansville home. The baby suffered over 50 rat bites and had to undergo hospital treatment for his injuries. In September, David Schonabaum was convicted on three felony counts of neglect of a dependent and received the maximum sentence of 16 years in prison.
Details emerged from an Evansville police detective stating that the baby boy had severe injuries, including missing flesh from his fingertips, exposing his bones. Upon arrival, paramedics and law enforcement found the child in his crib covered in blood, with facial injuries that left him permanently disfigured, according to county prosecutor Diana Moers.
Angel Schonabaum, who pleaded guilty to neglect of a dependent in September, was not present at the time of the rat attack but was held responsible for the dilapidated living conditions in the home. Authorities revealed that the couple resided in the house with Angel’s sister, Delaina Thurman, which was described as cluttered with trash and plagued by a rodent infestation. Thurman also pleaded guilty to neglect of a dependent and received a two-year probation sentence.
The entire ordeal has shocked the local community, raising questions about parental responsibility and the importance of maintaining a safe and clean environment for children. The court’s decision to sentence Angel Schonabaum to probation has sparked debates about accountability and appropriate consequences for neglectful behaviour.
Insights and Summary:
The story of Angel Schonabaum, the Indiana woman whose baby was attacked by rats, highlights the tragic consequences of neglect and the importance of upholding parental responsibilities. The sentencing of probation for Angel has sparked discussions on the justice system’s approach to cases involving child neglect. It serves as a stark reminder of the duty of caregivers to provide a safe and healthy environment for children. This case underscores the need for awareness and intervention to prevent such harrowing incidents from occurring in the future.