GUILTY IN - Boy, 5, found inside running washing machine, Indianapolis, 16 Aug 2019 *mom arrested*

JerseyGirl

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  • #1
An Indianapolis woman was arrested after her son was found inside a running washing machine.

Heather Oliver, 30, is charged with Level 5 felony neglect of a dependent resulting in bodily injury.

The charge stems from an incident that occurred on Aug. 16, 2019.

Oliver said she checked on the boy in his room at 9 a.m. She thought he was under the blankets, so she went to the kitchen to pour herself a glass of milk. While in the kitchen, she heard the washing machine and thought it was odd.

That’s when she said she saw the washing machine filling with water, and her son was trapped inside. She said she unlocked the latch and pulled him out.

Oliver told police she does not know how the washing machine works. She said her boyfriend does the laundry because she has a medical condition that prevents her from lifting heavy items.

Police returned to their house to execute a search warrant. They said they found no water or blood on the floor, and there was no sign of a struggle.

Also, there was no milk in the refrigerator and no glass with milk in it.

Mother arrested after son found inside running washing machine, court docs say
 
  • #2
Bonds
Madison Corporate Surety Bond - $10,000.00

Chronological Case Summary
12/18/2019 Case Opened as a New Filing
12/18/2019 Case Filed Electronically
Added By EFile Manager
12/18/2019 Appearance Filed
Appearance
For Party: State of Indiana
File Stamp: 12/18/2019
12/18/2019 Notice of Exclusion of Confidential Information
Administrative Rule 9
Filed By: State of Indiana
File Stamp: 12/18/2019
12/18/2019 Information Filed
Charging Information
Filed By: State of Indiana
File Stamp: 12/18/2019
12/18/2019 Notice Of Intent To Seek Habitual Offender Status
States Notice of Habitual
Filed By: State of Indiana
File Stamped: 12/18/2019
12/18/2019 Probable Cause Found: Order Issued
Judicial Officer: Childers, Jason - MAG
Order Signed: 12/18/2019
12/18/2019 Warrant or Writ of Attmnt for the Body of a Person Issued

12/19/2019 Automated Paper Notice Issued to Parties
Probable Cause Found: Order Issued ---- 12/18/2019 : Heather Mae Oliver
12/19/2019 Automated ENotice Issued to Parties
Probable Cause Found: Order Issued ---- 12/18/2019 : Rodney Justin Cummings
12/19/2019 Initial Hearing
Session: 12/19/2019 1:00 PM, Judicial Officers: Childers, Jason - MAG; Clase, Stephen - SR
12/19/2019 Hearing Scheduling Activity
Initial Hearing scheduled for 12/19/2019 at 1:00 PM.
12/19/2019 No Contact Order Issued
POR - No Contact Order No Contact Order - Pretrial Release; Issued by: MR JASON CHILDERS
Order Signed: 12/19/2019
12/19/2019 Service Returned Served: Order of Protection
POR - Service Perfected: Service Date: 12/19/2019 1:00 PM Person Served: Heather Mae Oliver;Served By: Childers; Street: 16 E. 9th Street, BOX 27; City: Anderson; County: Madison; Agency: Madison Circuit Court 1; Manner: Court; ; Person Served: Heather Mae Oliver

12/20/2019 Automated Paper Notice Issued to Parties
Hearing Scheduling Activity ---- 12/19/2019 : Heather Mae Oliver
12/20/2019 Automated ENotice Issued to Parties
Hearing Scheduling Activity ---- 12/19/2019 : Rodney Justin Cummings
12/20/2019 Surety Bond Entered in Clerk's Office

link: Indiana Supreme Court public access case search - MyCase
 
  • #3
  • #4
A few more details in this article, but I am wondering if the child is still in the home with the parents?

Mother accused of neglect after child was found in washing machine

Unfortunately this is blocked in the EU - even Outline site won't give me anything. Can you (or someone) give a 10% synopsis on this article?

TIA!
animated-smileys-christmas-133.gif
 
  • #5
Elwood officers responded to St. Vincent Mercy Hospital around 10:22 a.m. after Brandon Aldridge, who said he was the child’s father, brought the boy to the emergency room, according to the affidavit.

Medical personnel told officers that the child was in and out of consciousness, had multiple bruises on his upper torso and scratches on his arms when he was brought to the hospital, Gosnell wrote. The child was somewhat dry, with wet underwear and dirt on his knees, but there was no bruising on his legs, according to the affidavit.

The child, who has an autistic disorder, was later transported to Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis for evaluation and was later released, according to the affidavit
 
  • #6
Unfortunately this is blocked in the EU - even Outline site won't give me anything. Can you (or someone) give a 10% synopsis on this article?

TIA!
animated-smileys-christmas-133.gif
Aldridge told police his girlfriend called him at his work around 9:15 a.m. and said their son was stuck in the washer while it was turned on, Gosnell wrote. He drove to their home in the 1200 block of South B Street to find his child in Heather’s arms in the back of the residence where the washer and dryer were located.
 
  • #7
Oliver told police she got up around 9 a.m. that day and checked on the child who she thought was in his bed under his blankets, according to the affidavit. She said she went to the bathroom and then to the kitchen where she poured herself a glass of milk.

“During that time, she heard the washer going and went to see what was going on thinking that was odd,” Gosnell wrote.

Oliver said she heard the washer filling with water and her son in the washer, according to the affidavit. She said she unlocked the latch and pulled the child out and at no time was the drum spinning.
 
  • #8
Gosnell said that at first Oliver said she unplugged the washer, but later said she hit the power button and the washer began to drain. Oliver told officers the child was in the washer for about five minutes before she got him out, according to the affidavit.

Oliver told police she did not know how the washer worked and Aldridge was the one who did the laundry. She said she has a medical condition that requires her to take several medications and she is unable to lift heavy items.
 
  • #9
IceIce9 from article said:
snipped by me...

Oliver told police she did not know how the washer worked and Aldridge was the one who did the laundry. She said she has a medical condition that requires her to take several medications and she is unable to lift heavy items.

So laundry is too heavy for her to put into the washer? Don't you put each item in separately??!! But she is holding the boy in her arms when the father gets home - wonder how much he weighs??

But since LE didn't find even milk in the house - I'm REALLY doubting her story...
 
  • #10
@JerseyGirl - the only reason I started following this case is that I could access Indiana court site - I've started doing that, so I don't have to bother other people on getting me the next court date. :)

BUT!! Unfortunately, starting yesterday I have no more access to Indiana...

Can you look up & see when the next court date might be? TIA! :)
 
  • #11
Her story doesn't make any sense. First she thinks he is in bed, then she hears the washer and sees him in there. Is there a see thru lid on the washer. I know some have them. She can't lift due to her medication yet she lifts him out and is holding him in her lap. Yep it doesn't look a bit suspicious.

I just wonder why it took from August to December for LE to charge her. I guess the DA had to have more information. jmo
 
  • #12
Hey @Jewels53 - I see you on this thread! :) Last Indiana in December that I can't access. Can you?

Heather Mae Oliver Madison County $48C01-1912-F5-003010

TIA! :)
 
  • #13
  • #14
Thanks for checking for me Jewels! :)
 
  • #15
Gosnell said that at first Oliver said she unplugged the washer, but later said she hit the power button and the washer began to drain. Oliver told officers the child was in the washer for about five minutes before she got him out, according to the affidavit.

Oliver told police she did not know how the washer worked and Aldridge was the one who did the laundry. She said she has a medical condition that requires her to take several medications and she is unable to lift heavy items.

This sounds more like a front load washer to me. Does it say anywhere it's a top loader? Most front loaders have glass fronts and you can see in them. Then the door won't open until the water has drained enough. While most top loaders you can open immediately.
 
  • #16
Hey @Jewels53 - could you please check the court site & see if there is another court date set?

TIA!
animated-smileys-waving-003.gif
 
  • #17
Hey @Jewels53 - could you please check the court site & see if there is another court date set?

TIA!
animated-smileys-waving-003.gif

State of Indiana v. Heather Mae Oliver
Case Number 48C01-1912-F5-003010
Court Madison Circuit Court 1
Type F5 - Felony 5

01/06/2020
Hearing Journal Entry
Defendant appears via video for initial hearing. Initial hearing held. Defendant is sworn and advised of her rights. Defendant receives charging information and understands the charges filed. The Defendant intends to hire private counsel, Kyle Noone. Omnibus Date is 2/19/2020. Automatic plea of not guilty is entered. (srm)
Judicial Officer:
Childers, Jason - MAG

Hearing Date:
12/19/2019
01/06/2020
Discovery Order Entered
The Court issues its standard order of discovery. (srm)

Order Signed:
01/06/2020
01/06/2020
Hearing Scheduling Activity
Comes now the Court, having not received an appearance to date in this matter, and schedules this matter for a status of counsel hearing on 1/27/20 at 8:30 a.m. Defendant is ordered to appear. (srm)

01/06/2020
Subpoena/Summons Issued

To Defendant returnable 1/27/20 at 8:30 a.m. (srm)

File Stamp:
01/06/2020
01/06/2020
Hearing Scheduling Activity
Status of Counsel Hearing scheduled for 01/27/2020 at 8:30 AM.

01/07/2020
Automated Paper Notice Issued to Parties

Hearing Journal Entry ---- 1/6/2020 : Heather Mae Oliver Hearing Scheduling Activity ---- 1/6/2020 : Heather Mae Oliver Hearing Scheduling Activity ---- 1/6/2020 : Heather Mae Oliver

01/07/2020
Automated ENotice Issued to Parties

Hearing Journal Entry ---- 1/6/2020 : Jesse Robert Miller Hearing Scheduling Activity ---- 1/6/2020 : Jesse Robert Miller Hearing Scheduling Activity ---- 1/6/2020 : Jesse Robert Miller

01/08/2020
Service Returned Served

Heather Oliver, Copy Left and Mailed
Party Served:
Oliver, Heather Mae
Date Served:
01/08/2020

01/14/2020
Notification of Compliance

State's Notice of Discovery Compliance received and filed. (st)
Party:
State of Indiana
File Stamp:
01/13/2020

01/14/2020
Motion Filed

Appearance filed by Kyle Noone on behalf of the Defendant. (st)
Filed By:
Oliver, Heather Mae
File Stamp:
01/09/2020

01/14/2020
Motion Filed

Motion to Set Hearing on No Contact Order. Referred to Judge for review. (st)
Filed By:
Oliver, Heather Mae
File Stamp:
01/09/2020

01/15/2020
Notice Issued to Parties

Comes now the Court and vacates the status of counsel hearing. This matter is set for disposition/trial setting hearing on 3/16/20 at 8:30 a.m. (st)
Noticed:
Oliver, Heather Mae
Noticed:
Miller, Jesse Robert
Noticed:
Noone, Kyle Frederick

01/15/2020
Hearing Scheduling Activity

Status of Counsel Hearing scheduled for 01/27/2020 at 8:30 AM was cancelled. Reason: Other.

01/15/2020
Hearing Scheduling Activity

Dispositional Hearing scheduled for 03/16/2020 at 8:30 AM.

01/16/2020
Automated Paper Notice Issued to Parties

Notice Issued to Parties ---- 1/15/2020 : Heather Mae Oliver

01/16/2020
Automated ENotice Issued to Parties

Notice Issued to Parties ---- 1/15/2020 : Jesse Robert Miller;Kyle Frederick Noone Hearing Scheduling Activity ---- 1/15/2020 : Jesse Robert Miller;Kyle Frederick Noone Hearing Scheduling Activity ---- 1/15/2020 : Jesse Robert Miller;Kyle Frederick Noone

01/27/2020
CANCELED Status of Counsel Hearing

Reason:
Other
Session:
01/27/2020 8:30 AM, Cancelled

03/16/2020
Dispositional Hearing

Session:
03/16/2020 8:30 AM, Judicial Officer: Warner Sims, Angela G.
Comment:
or Trial Setting
 
  • #18
  • #19
Monday, March 16th:
*Disposition & Trial Setting Hearing – (@ 8:30am CT) – IN – Boy (5) (found in running washing machine, Aug. 16, 2019, Indianapolis) - *Heather Mae Oliver (30) (GF of father) arrested & charged (12/18/19) with level 5 felony neglect of a dependent resulting in bodily injury. Plead not guilty. $10K Surety Bond.
12/19/19 Update: Initial appearance. No contact order issued. Amended appearance on 12/30/19. Initial appearance hearing moved to 1/6/20.

1/6/20 Update: Defendant appears via video for initial hearing. Initial hearing held. Defendant is sworn & advised of her rights. Defendant receives charging information & understands the charges filed. The Defendant intends to hire private counsel, Kyle Noone. Omnibus Date is 2/19/2020. Automatic plea of not guilty is entered. A status of counsel hearing on 1/27/20 at 8:30 a.m. Defendant is ordered to appear. 1/14/20: Notification of Compliance State's Notice of Discovery Compliance received and filed. Defense files Motion to Set Hearing on No Contact Order. Comes now the Court & vacates the status of counsel hearing. This matter is set for disposition/trial setting hearing on 3/16/20 at 8:30 a.m.
 
  • #20
Elwood officers responded to St. Vincent Mercy Hospital around 10:22 a.m. after Brandon Aldridge, who said he was the child’s father, brought the boy to the emergency room, according to the affidavit.

Medical personnel told officers that the child was in and out of consciousness, had multiple bruises on his upper torso and scratches on his arms when he was brought to the hospital, Gosnell wrote. The child was somewhat dry, with wet underwear and dirt on his knees, but there was no bruising on his legs, according to the affidavit.

The child, who has an autistic disorder, was later transported to Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis for evaluation and was later released, according to the affidavit
bbm
Just getting this, so my remarks may be moot --

Not wet all over, okay, maybe. Hinky-ish.
Is the washer a top-loader or a side loader? If a top loader, how did he crawl in there? And why? Hinky. To hide, perhaps? Why? How did he know how to start the washer? Hinky. He's 5 y/o -- Can he read? SMH. Hinky.
Dirt on his knees -- odd, that one. He was in bed, then found in the washer; whence the dirt?? Hinky.
Milk, no milk, hmmm. Hinky.
Something's rotten here. Let's hope the child is out of the house and perhaps he will tell what really happened if he is able.
Lotsa hinky, IMO.
 
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