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In Indiana, a couple faces serious charges after emergency responders discovered a 7-year-old girl unresponsive in their home. The girl’s stepmother has been specifically charged with battery, while both caregivers are accused of neglect. The child, covered in bruises, was rushed to the hospital following a 911 call.
According to reports by WPTA, Jennifer Revis, 33, explained to police that her stepdaughter had a seizure after a confrontation. Revis claimed the series of events began when the girl pushed her brother, who then grabbed her, and subsequently, their dog bit her, triggering the seizure.
Medical professionals at Indiana University Health Ball Memorial Hospital expressed doubts about the child’s chances of survival. She underwent surgery to alleviate brain swelling, but her condition remains critical.
As reported by WXIN, doctors discovered multiple bruises and abrasions on the child’s body, including her legs, back, hands, and face. These injuries were assessed as “non-accidental” in nature.
The police have stated that the young girl is suffering from “significant brain damage” as a result of her injuries.
Revis initially told investigators that the girl “threw herself on the floor” and “started having … a seizure,” an affidavit says. But she also admitted abusing the child.
“I did beat the s*** out of her two days ago,” she reportedly said, claiming the girl is “awful to deal with.”
She also detailed incidents of “physical discipline,” which included a time she said she forcefully shoved the child through the doorway, causing her face to strike a wall. She also also said she punched the girl in the face with her fist.
“During the interview, Jennifer repeatedly expressed frustration with (the child) and admitted full responsibility for the physical assaults, stating, ‘I should have more self-control, I’m an adult,’ and ‘I know I went too far’,” the documents said.
The child’s father, 28-year-old Ryan Revis, told investigators he saw the injuries and chose not to intervene.
“Ryan admitted he overlooked signs of escalating abuse due to fear of confrontation and fear of losing (his other kids),” court documents say.
Ryan Revis also told investigators he had smacked the child himself on occasion.
Jennifer Revis reportedly said the abuse was rage-induced, WPTA said, brought on by the girl’s alleged disrespect. But court documents say she was “vague” about what she considered disrespectful.
“I see rage, bro,” Jennifer Revis told police, “when she talks to me like that, I just see rage, and I don’t know.”
The girl’s current condition is unknown.
Jennifer Revis has been charged with two counts of neglecting a dependent, one count of aggravated battery, and two counts of domestic battery. Ryan Revis is charged with one count of neglect resulting in catastrophic injury. It’s not clear why he wasn’t charged with battery since he admitted hitting the girl in police interviews.