An Indiana man has been arrested after a 3-year-old girl was hospitalized with severe head injuries, including a fractured skull and bleeding on the brain. Investigators say the child initially told adults that a “ghost” entered her room and squeezed her until she could not breathe, but the investigation later led police to accuse a man who had been caring for her of abusing the child.
Man Faces Child Abuse Charges
The Evansville Police Department announced the arrest of Cyrous Baker, whose age was not immediately released.
Baker has been charged with:
- One count of neglect of a dependent
- Two counts of domestic battery by an adult against a family member under the age of 14
According to police, the charges stem from injuries suffered by a 3-year-old girl earlier this year.
Child Taken to Emergency Room
The investigation began in February when the young girl was brought to a local emergency room with several concerning symptoms.
According to court documents, medical staff observed:
- A severe headache
- Lethargy
- Significant bruising on both ears
Doctors ordered additional testing because of the seriousness of her condition.
Doctors Found Serious Brain Injuries
A CT scan revealed that the child had suffered:
- A fractured skull
- Bleeding near the surface of her brain
A follow-up MRI later found bruising to the brain as well.
Because of the severity of her injuries, the child was transferred to Norton Children’s Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky, for specialized treatment.
Child Initially Blamed a “Ghost”
According to investigators, the events leading to the hospital visit began on Feb. 27.
A man who was scheduled to pick up the girl and other children for a weekend visit was asked to come to the family’s home earlier than planned.
Police said the child’s mother had noticed injuries and wanted him to evaluate the girl’s condition.
When the man arrived at the residence on Stringtown Road in Evansville, the mother reportedly explained that the child had become unusually sleepy and had little appetite.
When adults asked the 3-year-old what had happened, investigators say she responded that a ghost had entered her room and squeezed her until she could not breathe.
Child’s Condition Continued to Worsen
After leaving the home with the girl, the man monitored her for several hours.
According to police, her condition did not improve.
He and another adult then decided to take the child to a hospital, where doctors discovered the extensive injuries.
Mother Said Baker Was Watching Children
According to court documents, the girl’s mother told investigators she had worked the previous evening.
She said she left her children in the care of Cyrous Baker while she was at work.
That information prompted investigators and child welfare officials to begin a broader investigation.
Other Children Also Examined
As the investigation continued, child welfare authorities arranged for the other children living in the home to undergo medical evaluations.
According to police, doctors found bruising around the neck of a 4-year-old child who also lived in the residence.
4-Year-Old Described Similar Abuse
Investigators interviewed the 4-year-old.
According to court documents, the child told police that they no longer lived with Baker because he had squeezed their neck.
The child also reportedly stated that the 3-year-old was in the hospital because she had suffered similar injuries.
Conflicting Statements During Investigation
Police interviewed both the girl’s mother and Baker about what happened the night before the injuries were discovered.
According to investigators, the two provided conflicting accounts.
The mother reportedly told detectives that both the 3-year-old and the 4-year-old were still awake and watching television when she left for work.
Baker, however, allegedly claimed that the mother helped him put both children to bed before leaving the home.
Investigators said those differing accounts became part of the criminal investigation.
Arrest and Release
Following the investigation, police arrested Baker.
He was booked into the Vanderburgh County Jail on the child abuse-related charges.
According to jail records, Baker is not currently being held in custody.
Investigation Continues
The Evansville Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the injuries suffered by the 3-year-old child.
The criminal case against Baker will proceed through the Indiana court system as prosecutors pursue the charges filed against him.
