MITCHELL – A Mitchell father has been charged with a Level 5 felony after a medical examination of his 6-week-old daughter revealed a series of severe injuries, including both acute and healing bone fractures.
Morgan David Wray, 29, is facing a charge of domestic battery causing serious bodily injury to a person less than 14 years of age and neglect of a dependent.
The investigation began on December 9, 2025, when the infant was brought to the IU Health Hospital emergency room in Paoli. The parents, Morgan and his wife, reported that the child had been “limp” in her left arm since that morning and appeared to be in pain when moved.
Medical staff ordered X-rays, which uncovered a harrowing list of injuries:
- An acute fracture of the mid-shaft left humerus (upper arm).
- A fracture of the left seventh rib.
- Multiple “healing” fractures, indicating previous injuries that had occurred before the hospital visit.
- Classic metaphyseal lesions (CMLs) on both legs (femurs and tibias).
Due to the severity and nature of the injuries, the child was immediately transported to Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis for specialized evaluation.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Detective Michael Williams of the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department, the parents initially attributed the injuries to the family’s large breed dogs or to co-sleeping. However, specialists at Riley Children’s Hospital informed investigators that the fractures were inconsistent with a dog pouncing on a child.
During a follow-up interview at the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office on December 10, investigators pressed for a clearer explanation.
Court documents state that Morgan Wray became emotional during the interview and admitted to being “too rough” with the infant. Wray reportedly told detectives that he had been on parental leave and had been drinking significantly more than usual. He stated he believed he caused the injuries while intoxicated during diaper changes several weeks prior, though he claimed he was unaware he had injured her at the time.
Based on the medical evidence and the interview, Detective Williams requested an arrest warrant for Wray. He was detained on Monday, May 11.
Under Indiana law, a Level 5 felony carries a potential prison sentence of one to six years.
The Lawrence County Department of Child Services (DCS) was involved in the initial assessment and continues to monitor the case to ensure the child’s safety.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on the information provided in the probable cause affidavit and does not represent a final determination of guilt or innocence.
