The suspect, identified as Aniya Dabney, was initially charged with arrested and charged with six counts of Battery to Child less than 14 years of age committed by a person at least 18 years of age, a Level 6 Felony, and one count Obstruction of Justice, a Level 5 Felony.

Her sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 26, during which her other charges will be dismissed.

Dabney was accused of battering a 1-year-old child on May 1, 2025, at a home daycare in the 1800 block of Michigan Boulevard in Michigan City.

The child's parents noticed the child's demeanor was different than usual. Instead of being filled with energy and excitement, he seemed quiet and sad. The child was wearing onesie when he was picked up, so very little skin was showing, but after getting home, the victim's parents discovered significant bruising on his buttocks.

The parents also observed marks on their son's legs, and a mark on their son's left arm, near his shoulder, possibly from having been grabbed or pinched, they say.

The parents told police they have never physically disciplined their children, and their son's body didn't have these marks when he was dropped off that day.

The responding officer then took photos of the victim's injuries. The victim's father also supplied the officer with several photos he had taken himself.