Indiana Parents Charged After Mother’s Violent Hammer Beating Leaves 7-Year-Old Girl Near Death, Police Say
INDIANA — A 7-year-old girl is fighting for her life after investigators say her mother savagely beat her with a hammer, punched her repeatedly, and inflicted long-term abuse while the child’s father stood by and did nothing to stop it. Doctors told police the girl is unlikely to survive, according to court documents.
Jennifer Revis, 33, is charged with aggravated battery, neglect of a dependent causing catastrophic injury, and domestic battery to a child under 14. Her husband, Ryan Revis, 28, faces a felony neglect charge for allegedly witnessing the abuse and choosing “not to intervene.”
The case stems from a Tuesday afternoon emergency call to a home on West Commercia Street in Hartford City, Indiana.
Doctors Found Massive Injuries and “Significant Brain Damage”
When first responders arrived, the girl was unresponsive. Her mother told officers the child had a seizure after an argument. But hospital doctors quickly determined that the injuries could not have been accidental.
Medical staff reported the child had:
- Extensive bruising across her body
- Signs of long-term abuse
- Severe brain trauma
- Injuries inconsistent with a fall, bite, or seizure
Doctors told investigators they do not expect the child to survive her injuries.
Mother Admitted to Using Hammer, Punching and Slapping Child
During questioning, Jennifer Revis’ story changed repeatedly, police said. What began as a claim about a seizure unraveled into a confession of extreme violence.
Investigators say she ultimately admitted:
- She hit the girl’s hands and feet with a hammer
- She slapped and punched the child
- She had previously beaten her severely just two days earlier
- She flew into a “rage” over perceived disrespect
- She has been unable to “tell right from wrong anymore”
At one point, she allegedly told detectives:
“I see rage, bro… I just lost it.”
She added that she had gone “too far” and should have had more self-control.
Father Says He “Chose Not to Intervene”
Detectives say the father admitted he saw the injuries but did nothing, claiming he feared losing custody of the couple’s other children.
According to the affidavit, Jennifer also accused Ryan of choking the girl and throwing her against a wall, and said he “hated” the child and wanted to kill her.
Both parents denied responsibility for certain injuries but acknowledged the home had a pattern of violence.
Children Removed, Parents Held Without Bond Pending Hearing
Both suspects remain in the Blackford County Jail, with their next court date set for Wednesday.
If the 7-year-old girl dies, prosecutors could elevate the charges to include homicide.
Indiana authorities have removed the couple’s other children from the home.
As this heartbreaking case moves through the courts, additional charges and new details are expected. For ongoing coverage of major crime stories across Indiana and the Midwest, follow WaldronNews.com for updates as soon as they are released.