INDIANOLA, Iowa — An Indianola woman has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of a 4-month-old baby in her care. Melissa Hancock, 51, turned herself in to police Wednesday morning. The investigation began on Oct. 8 when emergency responders were called to Hancock’s home to treat an unconscious baby. The baby was airlifted to a Des Moines hospital, where he died four days later.
The baby had a skull fracture, retinal hemorrhages and spinal trauma consistent with blunt force trauma, according to court documents. Medical staff also found new and healing injuries that indicated prior abuse.
Investigators noted text messages from Hancock expressing displeasure with the baby and describing her actions as “callous disregard for the baby’s well-being.”
At the time of the incident, Hancock’s daycare center was not registered with the state.Chief Schell said there was no evidence of abuse of other children in her care.
According to court documents, the baby suffered a skull fracture, retinal hemorrhages and spinal trauma consistent with blunt force trauma.
Medical staff also found new and healing wounds on the baby, indicating previous abuse.
Investigators noted text messages from Hancock expressing dissatisfaction with the baby and describing her behavior as “callous disregard for the baby’s well-being.”
At the time of the incident, Hancock’s daycare center was not registered with the state. Chief Sc hell said there was no evidence that other children in her care were abused.
Hancock’s bail was initially set at $500,000 and later reduced to $100,000. She posted bail and was released from the Warren County Jail around noon Wednesday.