Indianola daycare provider charged with murder in 4-month-old's death
DES MOINES, Iowa — An Indianola daycare provider has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of a four-month-old boy she was caring for in 2024.
The Indianola Police Department issued a news release Wednesday, announcing the arrest of Melissa Hancock, 51. The department said a joint investigation with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the Warren County Attorney's Office resulted in the charges.
Early morning storage facility fire in north Des Moines
Hancock was caring for the infant at her in-home daycare at 307 E. Clinton Avenue in Indianola on October 8, 2024 when emergency responders were dispatched to the location after receiving a 911 call. First responders found the four-month-old boy unresponsive. He was transported by air ambulance to a hospital in Des Moines and died on October 12, 2024.
A criminal complaint filed in the case said the child was 'determined to have suffered a traumatic skull fracture, bilateral retinal hemorrhaging, and spinal trauma consistent with inflicted blunt force trauma.' New and healing injuries to the child's head, neck, and spine were also identified by medical professionals. The complaint said that indicated a pattern of prior abuse.
According to the complaint, text messages from Hancock 'expressed irritation with the victim, and her conduct reflects a callous disregard for his wellbeing.'
Hancock turned herself in to authorities Wednesday morning. She is being held in the Warren County Jail. Court records show a cash-only bond of $500,000 has been set.
Her arraignment is scheduled for May 12th.
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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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