by Richmond, IN – A deeply disturbing case of neglect has emerged from Richmond, Indiana, where a wheelchair-bound autistic teenager was found dead inside a padded stall surrounded by trash, used diapers, and sippy cups, police reports reveal. The victim’s mother, Liza Lindsay, 41, and her boyfriend are now facing felony charges amid allegations of severe mistreatment and neglect.
The teen, suffering from multiple severe medical conditions including epilepsy and microcephalic disease, was discovered naked except for a partially attached dirty diaper in a room described by authorities as being overwhelmed with filth and foul odors. Lindsay’s claims of untreated depression have been called into question by investigators as the investigation unfolds.
Shocking Conditions Upon Discovery
On July 24, 2024, Richmond Police were dispatched to Lindsay’s residence at 1313 South 10th Street following a call reporting an unresponsive female. What officers encountered was chilling:
- Strong stench of cat urine, feces, and garbage permeating the home.
- Approximately a foot of trash blocking underground entrances.
- Insect-covered fly strips hanging from ceilings.
- Victim’s bedroom decorated with a “Minnie Mouse” photo and containing black mold spots on walls and ceiling.
- A closed-off padded stall inside the victim’s room, walls worn with holes and stained with brown filth.
- The teen found naked except for a partly attached dirty diaper inside the stall.
The detective on scene described struggling to breathe even while wearing a mask due to the overpowering smell of decay and waste.
“When I entered the front door to the residence, I smelled a strong odor of what I can only describe as a combination of cat urine/feces and garbage,” the detective stated in the affidavit. “There were dirty diapers on the floor mixed in with the trash… The walls of the stall were covered in a brown filth.”
Medical and Care Background of the Victim
The deceased teenager was nonverbal, severely autistic, epileptic, wheelchair-bound, and diagnosed with microcephalic disease, mitochondrial disease, and Pitt-Hopkins syndrome. Despite her complex medical needs, reports indicate her care was grossly inadequate. The victim’s mother claimed she last witnessed her daughter during a seizure around 10:45 p.m. on July 23 and then left her in a recovery position before retiring to watch Chinese dramas on her phone late into the night.
“Liza said she stayed up watching Chinese dramas on her phone until sometime after midnight,” according to the police affidavit.
However, neighbors and investigators suspect neglect as both Lindsay and her boyfriend were accused of mistreating the victim and her two young siblings, aged 13 and 15. The Indiana Department of Child Services removed the surviving children from the home due to these concerns.
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Health Hazards and Neglect Confirmed
The Wayne County Health Department measured ammonia levels at 9 parts per million (ppm) inside the residence, far exceeding the state’s minimal risk level of 1.7 ppm. This environmental health hazard further exemplified the degree of neglect.
- Lindsay’s boyfriend, Daryl Grubbs, described as acting like a stepfather, was also charged with neglect.
- Investigators reported the home was infested with garbage, filth, and infestations harmful to the health of the children.
- Both Lindsay and Grubbs face two felony counts of dependent neglect.
Legal Proceedings and Community Response
Lindsay was bonded out of Wayne County Jail on Friday, while Grubbs remains in custody as of Monday. Authorities continue their investigation, focusing on how such neglect could have occurred under their care.
The heartbreaking case has drawn attention to the urgent need for oversight and support for families caring for severely disabled individuals, as well as the importance of mental health treatment for caregivers themselves.
For more in-depth details on the case and ongoing updates, visit Law&Crime’s full report.
Reflection and Moving Forward
This tragic incident raises urgent questions about the responsibilities of caregivers and the systemic support available to vulnerable populations. While Lindsay cited untreated depression as a factor in the home conditions, discrepancies in her medical records suggest a complex web of neglect and denial.
Key takeaways include:
- The critical role of child protective services in safeguarding youth.
- The dangers of caregiver mental health issues going unaddressed.
- The necessity of community awareness and intervention in suspected neglect cases.
What do you think about this heartbreaking case? Have you ever encountered signs of neglect in your community? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
