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Couple charged with neglect in daughter’s death

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – According to court documents, the parents of a young woman who died in Aug. 2014 have been charged with the neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury in her death.

Police responded to the Kelley residence on Aug. 4, 2014, where 18-year-old Linda Kelley was found dead on the kitchen floor.

Linda Kelley, who had a history with the Department of Child Protective Services (CPS), had reportedly been suffering from spinal bifida and hydrocephalus since birth. And when police found her in August, she had large open sores on her body.

After some investigation, CPS had substantial investigations against Lavonne and John Kelley, saying the victim had poor hygiene, unsanitary living conditions and was medically neglected.

Despite Linda requiring 24-hour medical care, medical notes with CPS say that children suffering from spinal bifida have the ability to become largely independent as they get older. And with proper care and treatment, those children can have minimal side effects and infections.

John and Lavonne Kelley will appear in Marion County Court on Friday at 8:30 a.m.