MITCHELL– Indiana State Police (ISP) Bloomington District detectives have launched a death investigation following the tragic passing of an infant in Lawrence County, resulting in the arrest of a Mitchell woman.
According to state police, detectives responded late Friday afternoon after an infant was found unresponsive in a bathtub at a residence in Mitchell. The infant, 22-month-old Juliana Lucille Payton, was immediately transported to IU Health Bedford, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
Investigators from the Bloomington District, including a crime scene investigator, as well as detectives from the Jasper District assisting with witness interviews, processed the scene at both the residence and the hospital.
Based on probable cause developed through the investigation and witness statements, Amanda B. Lane, 32, of Mitchell, was arrested without incident. She was transported to the Lawrence County Jail and booked on a preliminary charge of neglect of a dependent resulting in death (Indiana Code 35-46-1-4).
The investigation remains active and ongoing. State police indicated that further details will be released as the investigation progresses.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent until proven guilty through a fair and due legal process. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
