MUNCIE — A Muncie mother and father have been taken into custody on multiple felony charges after authorities discovered a 3-year-old child had been severely beaten, leaving the toddler bruised and bleeding.
Austin Scarborough Anderson, 23, and Audrey Ann Davis, 19, were arrested Tuesday afternoon following a swift investigation by the Muncie Police Department. Both parents now face several preliminary criminal charges, including neglect of a dependent, a Level 3 felony, neglect of a dependent, a Level 6 felony, and battery, a Level 6 felony.
According to police records, emergency dispatchers sent officers to a residence in the 2700 block of E. Jackson Street at approximately 4:19 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, following a report of active child abuse.
Upon arriving at the scene, responding officers met with a witness who provided a critical piece of evidence: an audio recording that captured the alleged attack taking place inside the home.
Court documents state that on the recording, Davis can be heard screaming aggressively at the 3-year-old toddler. The mother then allegedly struck the young child at least seven consecutive times. Investigators noted that Anderson also heard the child screaming from the assault and subsequently entered the room, striking the toddler multiple times as well.
A subsequent physical evaluation of the toddler by emergency medical personnel and detectives revealed extensive physical trauma.
According to the probable cause affidavit, the 3-year-old had a distinct, visible red handprint on their face. Furthermore, investigators documented numerous severe red marks and raised welts across the child’s buttocks, which were actively bleeding at the time law enforcement intervened.
During post-arrest interviews with Muncie Police detectives, Davis allegedly confessed to the physical assault, explaining to officers that she attacked the child because the toddler had defecated in their diaper instead of using the toilet. Both Davis and Anderson ultimately admitted to hitting the child during their respective police interviews.
The toddler was immediately removed from the custody of the parents and transported to a local hospital for a comprehensive medical examination and treatment of injuries. The investigation remains ongoing with the Delaware County Prosecutor’s Office.
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.
