A mother in Indiana, Sandra Henriquez, 32, was arrested after allegedly leaving her two young children, a one-year-old and a one-week-old infant, alone at home while she went drinking at a bar. Authorities later found both children in poor conditions, covered in feces, and the newborn showing signs of malnutrition.
The incident came to light in the early hours of March 12 when police responded to a report of a vehicle crashing into a pole. Henriquez, who was found at the scene, reportedly exhibited slurred speech. Officers noticed a car seat in her vehicle and questioned her about children, but she initially did not respond. After being taken to the hospital and later to jail, she continued to deny having dependents and refused to provide her home address.
Later that day, around 2:30 p.m., police received a separate call about two babies crying inside a locked residence. Officers forced entry into the home and discovered both children in distress. According to court documents, the newborn was covered in feces and urine, had turned blue in the hands, feet, and mouth, and was suffering from malnutrition. The baby was found to weigh less than at birth and was rushed to the hospital, where they were admitted with a feeding tube. The one-year-old was also found covered in feces but was reported to be in good health aside from a heavily soiled diaper.
Henriquez later admitted to police that she left her home just after midnight with the intention of going to a liquor store but instead ended up at a local sports bar, Big Shots Pub. She also claimed to have consumed an entire six-pack of beer before leaving. Based on her statements, authorities estimate that the children were left alone for approximately 14 hours. Inside the residence, police also found several open cans of alcohol and a caged dog without food or water.
Henriquez was charged with multiple felony counts, including neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury, neglect of a dependent due to abandonment, and obstruction of justice. She remains in custody with a bond set at $42,500. It is unclear if she has legal representation at this time.
