***MEDIA ADVISORY***

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 19, 2014

TYLER BEATHEA CONVICTED OF BATTERY ON A CHILD AFTER CHRISTMASTIME ABUSE

Media Contact: Curtis T. Hill, Jr. (574) 296-1888

On September 17, 2014 an Elkhart County jury found Tyler Beathea guilty of Battery on a Child Causing Serious Bodily Injury, a Class B felony, and Neglect of a Dependent, a Class D felony. On December 23, 2012 Ms. Jackson left her three year old daughter in the care of her boyfriend, Mr. Beathea, while she worked a thirteen hour shift and arranged to complete Christmas shopping for her daughter and Mr. Beathea. Upon returning home, Ms. Jackson discovered massive swelling on her daughter’s forehead and immediately took her daughter to the hospital. On Christmas day, the child woke with her eyes swollen shut and severe bruising. Mr. Beathea fled from the hospital during the first emergency room visit and was arrested the next night on an unrelated matter. Mr. Beathea admitted to police that he hit the three year old child for wetting her bed.

During the three day trial Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Katelan Doyle admitted Mr. Beathea’s confession and photos of the child’s injuries. Mr. Beathea argued the injuries to the child did not constitute serious bodily injury, however the jury disagreed and returned with a guilty verdict within minutes. Sentencing in this case is currently scheduled for October 16, 2014. This case was tried in Superior Court 3 before Judge George Biddlecome.

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“Under Indiana law, all persons arrested for a criminal offense are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.”