DATE: Friday, August 04, 2023
SUBJECT: Infant from Abuse and Neglect Arrest Removed from Life Support
RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-NR-0804
CONTACT: Sheriff Noah Robinson
AUTHORITY: Sheriff Noah Robinson
The five month-old victim of abuse and neglect reported by the Sheriff’s Office on Monday, July 31 has died. The infant had been on life-support since being transported to an Indianapolis children’s hospital the day after his parents reported that he had stopped breathing. Jett Leon Goldsby was removed from life-support this morning after doctors determined that he had no brain activity and no prospect of recovery. The Indiana Donor Network obtained authorization for organ donation to occur. An autopsy will be conducted by the Marion County Coroner’s Office.
Jett’s parents, Cheyenne Elmore-Sitz and Javontae Goldsby, called 911 the evening of July 26 after finding Jett in his bed, not breathing. Evansville Fire Department personnel were able to restore a pulse and he was transported to a local hospital. An examination revealed that Jett had sustained a skull fracture, retinal hemorrhages, and bleeding on the brain indicative of an impact and being violently shaken. Doctors advised these injuries were not accidental and were inflicted by someone. The next morning, Jett was transported to an Indianapolis children’s hospital. Medical personnel there concurred that the injuries were inflicted.
Sheriff’s detectives initiated an investigation, interviewing both parents as well as other family members. On July 31, after consultation with medical personnel and the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office, Goldsby and Elmore-Sitz were arrested for Neglect of a Dependent Causing Catastrophic Injury and Aggravated Battery. Both are currently in the Vanderburgh County Jail with bonds of $100,000.00 cash/$1,000,000.00 surety. They are scheduled to appear in Circuit Court on August 04 at 1 PM.
A one-and-a-half year-old sibling was removed from the home by the Department of Child Services and is in foster care. Detectives will be in contact with the Prosecutor’s Office to discuss any modification to the charges the parents face.
PREVIOUSLY: Parents Arrested after Infant Sustains Catastrophic Injuries at Home
Presumption of Innocence Notice: The fact that a person has been arrested or charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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