An Indiana couple has been charged with child neglect after police discovered shocking abuse of their 10-year-old son. Melody Rose Greenwood, 38, and Adam Jon Greenwood, 36, were arrested earlier this week when they took their son to IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital for a check-up. Doctors immediately noticed the boy was dangerously thin and showed clear signs of malnutrition and abuse.
The investigation began when hospital staff reported their concerns to the police. Officers went to the Greenwood family’s home in Muncie to check on the boy and his seven siblings. According to court documents, Melody claimed her son was being “grounded” and was on a diet of mostly canned vegetables and protein like beans, tomatoes, and soup. Meanwhile, the other children reportedly ate normal meals like cheeseburgers and fast food.
As police dug deeper, the siblings revealed disturbing details of their brother’s treatment. They said the 10-year-old was often forced to stand against a wall for up to 12 hours a day as punishment. If he moved or spoke, his parents allegedly encouraged the other children to hit him. One of the siblings told investigators that Melody had once zip-tied the boy’s hands behind his back overnight, and police noted scars and marks on his wrists.
The boy was also isolated from the rest of the family. While his siblings played video games and watched TV, he wasn’t allowed to join in. Sometimes, his parents reportedly put a towel over his head while he stood against the wall.
All eight children in the household were homeschooled, but one of the siblings told police their education mostly involved reading three chapters of a book each day — often supervised by the two oldest children rather than their parents.
Melody Greenwood now faces three counts of felony neglect of a dependent, and Adam Greenwood faces two counts of the same charge. Both parents have been released on bond — $15,000 for Melody and $10,000 for Adam — while the Delaware County Prosecutor’s Office prepares to file official charges.
The Indiana Department of Child Services is continuing its investigation into the family’s situation to ensure the safety and well-being of all the children involved.
