Mother Pleads Guilty to Neglect After Infant Son Bitten by Rats Over 50 Times

In a distressing case that has drawn widespread attention, a mother in Evansville, Indiana, has pleaded guilty to her involvement in profound neglect that resulted in her infant son suffering over 50 rat bites, causing severe disfigurement. Angel Schonabaum acknowledged her role in the heinous circumstances that put her child in danger, leading to a guilty plea on three felony counts, including neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury, and two counts of neglect of a dependent involving each of her three children.

As a consequence of her plea, Angel Schonabaum was sentenced to four years in prison but was credited for the year she had already spent behind bars. However, the remaining three years of her sentence were suspended, and she was placed on probation. In addition to the probationary period, the court ordered Schonabaum to undergo a mental health evaluation and comply with any recommended treatment. Notably, she has been prohibited from making contact with her children as part of the terms of her sentencing.

Rat Infestation Leads to Inflicted Harm

The disturbing series of events came to light when, on September 13, 2023, Angel Schonabaum's husband, David Schonabaum, dialed 911 from their home to report a harrowing discovery. He found their six-month-old son covered in blood in his bassinet, with more than 50 rat bites on his face and other parts of his body. The child's fingers and thumb were gruesomely injured, with exposed fingertip bones, raising alarms for the well-being of the infant.

Failure to Address Living Conditions

Investigation into the matter revealed that the Department of Child Services had been providing assistance to the homeowners in an effort to address safety concerns in the home. Despite these interventions, conditions reportedly deteriorated rapidly, leading to the harrowing incident. Notably, Angel Schonabaum was not residing in the home at the time of the rat-bite incident, but she was held accountable for the deplorable living conditions due to her lack of cooperation in rectifying the situation.

Consequences for Parental Negligence

As a result of the failure to eradicate the rat infestation that culminated in the tragedy, Angel Schonabaum lost custody of her children. The court's decision underscored the accountability of parents in ensuring a safe and healthy living environment for their children.

Shared Accountability in Disturbing Incident

The case also implicated Angel Schonabaum's husband, David Schonabaum, who was found guilty of his role in the infant rat-bite case. He received a more severe sentence of 16 years in prison for neglect and for contributing to the deplorable living conditions that subjected their baby to such unimaginable distress. The disparity in sentencing drew attention to the differing roles played by each parent in the harrowing situation.

Emphasis on Cleanliness for Child Safety

Prosecutor Diana Moers highlighted the importance of maintaining a clean and hazard-free living environment to protect children and pets. She stressed that homeowners would be held accountable if conditions continued to pose a risk to children's safety and well-being. The case serves as a somber reminder of the collective responsibility to ensure safe living conditions for vulnerable individuals, particularly children.

Significance of Sentencing Disparity

Addressing the discrepancy in sentencing between the parents, Prosecutor Moers clarified that the difference stemmed from the fact that David Schonabaum was present in the home during the rat-bite incident, while Angel Schonabaum had vacated the premises nearly two weeks prior to the incident. This distinction underscored the need for tailored accountability based on the specific actions and circumstances surrounding each individual's involvement in the neglectful situation.

The heart-wrenching case involving the neglect of an innocent child has raised awareness about the paramount importance of safeguarding the well-being and safety of children in their homes. It serves as a reminder for authorities, communities, and individuals to remain vigilant and proactive in identifying and addressing potential hazards that could jeopardize the health and welfare of vulnerable members of society.

Community Vigilance is Crucial

Communities must remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding the well-being of children and vulnerable members of society. This includes recognizing warning signs of neglect, advocating for proper living conditions, and supporting families in need of assistance. Collaboration among social services, law enforcement, and community organizations is essential in preventing and addressing situations that pose a risk to the safety of individuals, particularly children.