A harrowing case of child neglect emerged in Evansville, Indiana, when a 6-month-old baby was found in his bassinet, bloodied with over 50 rat bites, leading to the arrests of his parents, Angel and David Schonabaum, along with Angel’s sister, Delaina Thurman.
On Sept. 13, 2023, on South Linwood Avenue, David Schonabaum called 911 after discovering his 6-month-old baby severely injured and covered in blood in his bassinet.
Police found that the baby had been bitten numerous times, with injuries so severe that his finger bones were exposed.
Despite multiple visits from Child Services over the years, little changed, leaving the children in dangerous conditions.
The Schonabaum family’s rodent problem began in March 2023 and worsened despite efforts to control it.
On September 5, DCS visited after two children reported being bitten by mice.
On September 13, David found his infant son severely bitten in his bassinet, resulting in an emergency call.
Upon arrival, officers saw that the baby’s bassinet was stained with blood and rat footprints.
The infant’s injuries were extensive, with more than 50 bite marks across his body.
Medical staff reported that the child’s blood oxygen level had dropped to 69%, requiring a blood transfusion to survive.
In December 2022, DCS opened a neglect case on the Schonabaum household, regularly noting issues like clutter, trash, and animal feces.
By August 2023, a Terminix technician found rats overwhelming the home. Despite setting multiple traps, the infestation persisted, with David describing the house as “completely overwhelmed” by rodents.
After teachers reported children being bitten by mice, DCS planned a visit for September 14. The infant was severely bitten the day before the scheduled visit.
Evansville Police Department spokesperson Sgt. Anna Gray stated, “The only reason that we knew about it was because the dad woke up and the baby was covered in blood. Someone should’ve picked up the phone and called us prior to that.”
Following the incident, Angel and David Schonabaum, along with Delaina Thurman, were arrested for child neglect.
In October 2024, Angel pleaded guilty, receiving four years of probation after one year, a ban on contacting her children, and a requirement for a mental health evaluation.
David was held accountable for the home’s conditions and his son’s injuries, receiving a 16-year prison sentence with no mitigating factors.
Delaina received two years of probation.
Vanderburgh County Prosecutor Diana Moers emphasized, “No children should suffer such trauma. This case is a sobering reminder of the dangers children face when caregivers fail to provide safe environments. Our community must remain vigilant.”
While the public may be confused by the difference in sentencing between the parents, Prosecutor Moers explained, “The father in this case was the only one residing in the home during the rat-bite incident (the mother having left and not returned nearly two weeks prior), and thus his case is wholly different than the facts for which we can hold the mother accountable. The law has nuance and detail that we must follow and that cannot be overstated when the public is considering their opinion.”
No public statements have been issued by family members regarding the charges.
