An Indiana father was found guilty last week of neglect after his 6-month-old son was found with more than 50 rat bites all over his body last year.
A jury found 32-year-old David Schonabaum guilty on three counts of neglect of a dependent, WFIE reported.
Schonbaum, his wife Angel Schonbaum, and Angel Schonabaum’s sister, Delaina Thurman were arrested on September 13, 2023, when David Schonbaum reported that he had found the infant in his bassinet covered in blood, as CrimeOnline reported.
The boy was taken to a local hospital and then flown to a hospital in Indianapolis. Police said doctors found more than 50 bites on his forehead, cheek, nose, thigh, foot, and toes. The boy’s right arm was covered in bites from the elbow to the hand, and all of his fingers showed parts missing with bone exposed.
According to court documents, doctors found his body temperature at 93.5 degrees, and he needed an immediate blood transfusion.
Two of the neglect charges related to two other, older children, who lived in the rat-infested home. The couple’s 11-year-old son testified to the extent of the rat problem earlier in the week, WFIE reported.
Vanderburgh County Prosecutor Diana Moers praised the verdict, telling the Evansville Courier & Press that the boy “is now permanently disfigured” because of the rat bites.
The Courier & Press incorrectly reported that the boy had died.
Court records say that Angel Schonabaum’s trial is set to begin on September 30. Thurman reached a plea deal earlier this year and was sentenced to two years probation.
David Schonabaum’s sentencing has been set for October 2, when he will face up to 16 years in prison.
Moers said her office will be asking for the maximum.
