Overview
- The investigation began after a pediatrician alerted police and the Indiana Department of Child Services when a 9-day-old was brought in with extensive facial bruising on July 15.
- Authorities charged Kaden Manuel Lewis Shrum with battery resulting in bodily injury to a person under 14; he was arrested, posted a $5,000 bond, and has been released pending trial.
- A probable-cause affidavit says Shrum admitted nibbling and repeatedly biting the baby’s cheek to stop crying, demonstrated a ‘‘chomping motion,’’ and told investigators the child looked like a "busted up egg."
- Medical staff at the hospital identified marks consistent with bite wounds and investigators concluded the injuries matched Shrum’s description, though the infant’s identity and current condition have not been publicly disclosed.
- Officials say the case remains under joint police and child-services review, Shrum faces additional unrelated charges, and the January jury date will be a key moment for criminal and child-welfare decisions.