Couple arrested after 12-year-old child found to weigh only 23 pounds

RENSSELAER, Ind. (WLFI) – A Jasper County couple faces criminal charges after their 12-year-old child was allegedly found neglected.

The Department of Child and Family Services removed the child from Jay and Tabitha Rupert’s home near Rensselaer last Monday.

The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office said the child weighed 23 pounds and was diagnosed as “failure to thrive” at Riley Hospital for Children’s at Indiana University Health.

According to the sheriff’s office, the 12-year-old was diagnosed from birth with a non-curable brain disorder that required constant care.

Jay and Tabitha Rupert were arrested on Monday. Their charges include felony counts of neglect and neglect on compulsory school attendance.

They have bonded out of the Jasper County Jail.