MADISON COUNTY, Ind. -- A Madison County couple is in jail accused of child neglect after a 2-year-old boy is hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.
In mid-November, a 2-year-old boy was flown to Riley Children's Hospital with numerous injuries, including multiple skull fractures.
Police were first alerted when the boy was found unconscious inside his family's home in Alexandria.
"There are incredible injuries on this child, injuries that are appalling. His entire body is bruised. He had brain bleed. He has lacerations on his penis. It's just heartbreaking. It's honestly heartbreaking the injuries this child went through," said Madison County Prosecutor Rodney Cummings.
In addition to his head injuries, court documents claim the victim had evidence of burns on his feet, as well as bruising on his legs, arms, chest and back.
According to court records, the victim was being looked after by his mother's boyfriend Maverick Peterson.
The 23-year-old told police the boy was clumsy and fell after hitting his head on a large fish tank.
The suspect claimed the child's injuries were simply an accident, but medical workers disagreed.
The prosecutor insists the injuries don't match the suspect's story.
"It would have to be one accident after another after another. It's no accident. It's just abuse. It's a classic case of child abuse," said Cummings.
While the boys' mother Katyln Conrad was working a nightshift job when police were called, police claim she lied to investigators to protect her boyfriend.
She too is now facing charges of neglect.
"You just have to be very, very careful about who you leave your children with. It's absolutely essential," said Cummings.
Both suspects remain behind bars at the Madison County jail.
The prosecutor said their case illustrates why parents who suspect child abuse by a partner, or who need help looking after their children, can call the state's hotline to find resources aimed at keeping kids safe.
"You are responsible for protecting that child," said Cummings. "Call anybody and we'll put you in touch with social services. There's no doubt about it. You can get help," said Cummings.
Both suspects made their initial hearings on Monday.
Peterson is temporarily being held for 72 hours, after which his bond was set at $100,000.