Indiana mom taken from shelter to jail after baby dies with broken bones, extensive burns

MUNCIE, Ind. (WXIN) -- The mother of an infant pronounced dead Saturday at IU Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie with extensive burns and broken bones is in the Delaware County Jail charged with one count of neglect of a dependent causing death.

Sarah Ann Styhl, 32, and her 3-month-old daughter Shea Anna Marie Styhl were staying at the Muncie YWCA when the child was reported unresponsive over the weekend.

The baby was pronounced dead after doctors determined she was severely burned and suffered bone fractures to all four extremities.

Detectives said at first Styhl cooperated with their inquiry but became “argumentative” when investigators doubted that she could not have noticed some of the injuries to her daughter.

WaTasha Barnes Griffin, CEO of the Muncie Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA), said Styhl was accompanied by a caseworker from Jay County when she arrived with her baby to seek shelter last Tuesday.

Barnes Griffin said during the intake process her staff did not notice any injuries to the child, nor did other employees during two other encounters later in the week.

Pending final autopsy results, Todd said Styhl could face additional charges.