In a shocking and deeply disturbing case, a six-month-old baby in Indiana was attacked by a swarm of rats while his father, David Schonabaum, slept on a nearby sofa. The horrifying incident took place in September 2023 and has since led to serious legal consequences for both parents, shedding light on extreme neglect and dangerously unsanitary living conditions.

Schonabaum was sentenced to 16 years in prison after investigators found that he had knowingly exposed his child to hazardous conditions, ultimately leading to the horrifying injuries the infant suffered. The child’s mother, Angel Schonabaum, also pleaded guilty to child neglect and received legal repercussions for failing to provide a safe environment for their children.

Over 50 Rat Bites: A Horrific Scene of Neglect in Indiana

According to official reports, the father woke up to find his infant son covered in blood, having sustained over 50 bite wounds from rats. The child’s tiny fingers were severely mutilated, with some digits so badly damaged that doctors had no choice but to amputate them.

Schonabaum described the gruesome scene to authorities, stating that he found blood everywhere, including in the baby’s crib. The infant had been left in an area where the parents had already noticed frequent rat infestations, raising serious concerns about their failure to act and protect their child.

Authorities Describe a ‘House of Horrors’

During the investigation, officials uncovered appalling living conditions inside the family’s home. The house was described as filthy, with visible signs of rat infestations. Prosecutors labeled the environment a “house of horrors,” highlighting not only the dangerous sanitary conditions but also the sheer negligence of the parents, who had continued to reside in the home despite being aware of the ongoing rodent problem.

The presence of rats was not a new issue in the home. Schonabaum admitted that he had seen rodents near the child’s sleeping area before but had taken no significant action to remove them or relocate his infant to a safer environment.

Legal Consequences: Father Receives 16-Year Prison Sentence

Following the investigation, David Schonabaum was charged with child neglect resulting in catastrophic injury. He was later convicted and sentenced to 16 years in prison, reflecting the gravity of his actions—or lack thereof.

Angel Schonabaum, the mother, also faced criminal charges. She pleaded guilty to child neglect and was sentenced accordingly. The exact details of her sentencing remain undisclosed, but it is clear that authorities held both parents accountable for their failure to provide a safe home for their children.

The Baby Survives but Faces Lifelong Disfigurement

While medical teams were able to save the child’s life, he will have permanent physical disfigurements due to the severity of his injuries. The amputation of multiple fingers will impact him for the rest of his life, serving as a grim reminder of the horrifying ordeal he endured as an infant.

Authorities assured the public that the child has since been removed from the custody of his parents and is now receiving proper care. However, the psychological and physical toll of this tragedy will likely affect him well into adulthood.

Raising Awareness: The Consequences of Neglect

This case serves as a tragic yet critical reminder of the consequences of child neglect. Authorities have emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe, clean, and habitable environment for children.

Neglect doesn’t always come in the form of intentional harm—passive neglect, such as failing to address dangerous conditions like rodent infestations, can be just as devastating.

How to Protect Children from Dangerous Living Conditions

Experts recommend the following measures to ensure child safety at home:

1. Pest Prevention: Any sign of rodent activity should be addressed immediately with professional pest control services.
2. Routine Safety Checks: Parents should conduct regular inspections of the home for hazards such as exposed wires, mold, or infestation.
3. Safe Sleeping Arrangements: Infants should always have a secure, sanitary sleeping area away from potential dangers.
4. Regular Health Monitoring: Any unexplained injuries or unusual symptoms in children should prompt immediate medical attention.

A Case That Shook a Community

The heartbreaking case of the Indiana infant who was mauled by rats is a reminder of the devastating consequences of negligence. While justice has been served with the sentencing of David and Angel Schonabaum, the scars—both physical and emotional—will remain with the child forever.

This case underscores the responsibility all parents have to ensure the well-being of their children. No child should ever have to endure such an ordeal, and it is crucial that awareness continues to be raised about the dangers of neglect and the importance of safe and sanitary living conditions.

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