Gage Church : Miami County Man Faces Neglect Charges for Infant Injuries

MIAMI COUNTY, Ind. — A Miami County man is facing serious neglect charges after his 5-month-old child sustained severe injuries that were later determined to be the result of inflicted trauma. Gage Church has been charged with multiple counts, including neglect resulting in catastrophic injury and serious bodily injury, as well as domestic battery resulting in serious bodily injury. In addition, Church is facing a misdemeanor charge for marijuana possession.

The incident came to light on June 13 when Miami County dispatch received a call from Church, claiming that his infant had fallen off a bed onto the floor. The child was airlifted to a Fort Wayne hospital, where medical professionals discovered alarming injuries.

According to court documents, a pediatric surgeon at the Fort Wayne hospital identified a deep head wound with internal bleeding and multiple intraretinal and preretinal hemorrhages in the infant’s eyes. These injuries were consistent with forceful trauma rather than a simple fall.

During the investigation, the child’s mother revealed that the infant was in good health when she left for work that morning and that Church was the sole caregiver at the time of the incident. The mother also disclosed that she and Church regularly smoked marijuana together.

Subsequent searches of Church’s home led to the discovery of marijuana, which Church admitted to possessing. The child was later transferred to an Indianapolis children’s hospital for neurosurgery to address the injuries sustained.

Doctors at the Indianapolis hospital confirmed that the infant’s injuries were not consistent with a short-distance fall. The child had to undergo surgery for bilateral burr hole placement, as well as treatment for a rib fracture that was likely caused by forceful compression of the chest.

A medical report indicated that the injuries sustained by the infant were characteristic of non-accidental or inflicted trauma, with no plausible explanation for the extent of harm. The doctors concluded that the injuries were a result of force that a reasonable caregiver would recognize as harmful.

The investigation is ongoing, and Church remains in custody facing multiple felony charges related to the neglect and abuse of his child. The child’s condition is being closely monitored as authorities work to ensure the safety and well-being of the infant.