Indiana parents arrested after 4-year-old son found naked, dead under a blanket

LA PORTE, Ind. (TCD) -- A 26-year-old mother and 28-year-old father were arrested and charged after their 4-year-old son was discovered dead Monday.

According to the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office, on Oct. 11, 2021, at 2:45 a.m., deputies responded to a report concerning an unconscious child at a home. Once on the scene, deputies found 4-year-old Judah Morgan deceased.

WSBT-TV reports the child was discovered naked and covered with a blanket. Three other children were reportedly found in the residence and were later interviewed by investigators.

According to the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office, Judah’s father Alan Morgan immediately became a person of interest and was being "actively sought" by deputies. The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office said he was armed and dangerous. He was apprehended later in the day on Oct. 11.

On Wednesday, the La Porte County Sheriff's Office announced Judah’s mother Mary E. Yoder was taken into custody. Yoder and Alan Morgan both face multiple charges, including neglect of a dependent and cruelty to an animal. Additionally, Morgan faces one count of murder.

The La Porte County Sheriff says an Oct. 12 autopsy ruled Judah’s death a homicide. WSBT adds autopsy results show Judah died of blunt force trauma to the head.

Citing court documents, WSBT says Yoder told police she "last saw Judah in the basement on Saturday the 9th, which was when she left the house on her way to the hospital to give birth."

According to WSBT, court records say Yoder "made admissions that she was aware of what Alan [Morgan] was doing to Judah, however she said she was afraid of Alan and could not stop him."

According to WSBT, Morgan allegedly abused Judah in the past. Court documents reportedly say he would tie up a naked Judah with duct tape and leave him in the basement for days.

Additionally, Yoder allegedly admitted she would bring Judah to the basement as disciplinary action.

Police did not release the circumstances surrounding the animal cruelty charge.

According to the La Porte Sheriff’s Office, Morgan remains at the LaPorte County Jail without bond. Yoder also remains held in the La Porte County Jail but on a $100,005 bond.

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