Seymour Man Arrested for Neglect of Dependent Causing Death

Further investigation revealed that Scott had methamphetamine and marijuana in his system at the time of the incident.

Photo Thanks to Indiana State Police

(Seymour, Ind.) - Last week, a Seymour, Indiana man was arrested on a warrant for Neglect of a Dependent Causing Death after a two-month investigation by Detectives Jason Duncan and Andrew Mitchell with the Indiana State Police-Versailles.

The investigation began on March 27 of this year when a 9-1-1 call was made to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department.  The caller reported that a six-week-old male infant was not responsive at 518 Colvin Court which is located just east of Seymour.  Emergency personnel responded to the scene and attempted to provide lifesaving care to the infant.  However, the infant was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Jackson County Coroner’s Office.

The investigation determined that on the morning of March 27, Joseph Michael-Wayne Scott, age 31, that father of the victim, fell asleep in a recliner at the residence while holding the baby.  Scott was later awoken by a family member who noticed the baby was not breathing due to his position in the chair.  Further investigation revealed that Scott had methamphetamine and marijuana in his system at the time of the incident when the child was in his care.

At the conclusion of the investigation, the case was presented to the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office for review.  The investigation resulted in a warrant being issued for Scott on a charge of Neglect of a Dependent Resulting in Death, Level 1 Felony. 

Scott was taken into custody on Thursday, June 18, and incarcerated at the Jackson County Jail pending his initial appearance in the Jackson County Circuit Court.

The Indiana State Police was assisted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana State Excise Police, Jackson County EMS, Jackson County Coroner’s Office, Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Indiana Department of Child Services.