[Update] 4 Month Old South Bend Baby On Life Support After Father Beat And Neglected Her

A South Bend, Indiana, father, 22-year-old Bryan Michel caused, his 4-month-old daughter, Halo, to be placed on life support after abusing her and neglecting the injuries.

According to South Bend police, they arrived at the home on the 1400 block of East Dubail Street at around 3:00 pm on Thursday, July 10. South Bend Fire Department Medics responded to a call that the infant was not breathing. Details on the story are vague at the moment, as Metro Homicide and the Special Victims Unit continue their investigation. The details that were shared state Halo’s mother arrived home from work on the morning of July 10 and checked on her, assuming she was fast asleep. When she woke up, she checked on Halo again and saw that she was not breathing. She immediately called 911 to report the incident.

At this time, no one is allowed to see Halo and her father has been arrested and booked on preliminary charges of neglect of a dependent.

According to Halo’s family, she has fractured ribs that were showing signs of healing, pointing to previous abuse.

The St. Joseph County Metro Homicide Unit made the following statement:

“In response to media inquiry regarding the CMHU investigation into the incident at 1400 block of E. Dubail Street, the Prosecutor’s Office, at this time, can only confirm the following information.

“Yesterday at approximately 3:00 p.m., South Bend Police received a 911 call from the 1400 block of E. Dubail Street in reference to a four-month-old not breathing. SBPD Officers and South Bend Fire Department medics were immediately dispatched.

“County Metro Homicide, working in conjunction with the Special Victims Unit, were contacted to investigate.

“At this time, the child remains in critical condition and on life support. CMHU arrested one male adult in this case, Bryan Alexander Michel, 22, who was booked yesterday evening into the St. Joseph County Jail on a preliminary charge of Neglect of a Dependent. In response to media inquiry, CMHU confirms that Michel is the father of the child.

“The case is on-going and continues to be investigated. Anyone with information is asked to call CMHU at 235-5009. The Prosecutor’s Office is currently reviewing this matter and will advise the media of any charging decision made.”

If Halo dies from the neglect and abuse, her father’s charges will be upgraded to reflect the death.

Family and friends have started using the hashtag #TeamHalo to show support for the family and wishing Halo a safe recovery.

[Update]

4 month old Halo died at approximately 10:00 AM EST on July 12th. Her Father is now facing further charges in this ongoing case.

[Photo Courtesy: WSBT]