(7-8-22) Two mental health professionals have examined a Portland woman, Chelsea Lanett Crossland (27) who is accused of killing her 5-year-old son Christian. Crossland has been charged with murder and neglect of a dependent resulting in the March 24 death of her son.

According to details in the case Crossland beat, spanked and choked the boy and at times did not allow him to eat “for days at a time.”

An autopsy determined the child died as a result of “complications from blunt force trauma to (his head and mouth).”

Crossland’s attorney, Jacob Dunnuck of Muncie, has filed a motion to pursue a defense of “mental disease or defect.” Jay Circuit Court Judge Brian Hutchison appointed Anderson psychiatrist Craig Buckles and Delaware County psychologist Bob Hatfield to examine Crossland.

Crossland faces a count of child molesting, another Level 1 felony, over allegations she sexually abused a child other than her son.

Crossland’s trial will be held in Jay County on September 26th.

CHRISTIAN CROSSLAND OBITUARY

Christian Crossland, age 5, a resident of Portland, passed away on Thursday, March 24, 2022 at his home in Portland.

Christian was born on July 12, 2016 in Muncie, the son of Chelsea Crossland.

Survivors include:
His mother: Chelsea Crossland – Portland, Indiana
2 sisters: Chloe Costello and Mackenzie Costello – Portland, Indiana
2 brothers: Blake Riddle and Dawson Riddle – Portland, Indiana
Grandparents: Ray Willis and Lanett Crossland – Portland, Indiana
Great-grandmother: Sherrill Willis – Peoria Heights, Illinois
Aunt: Destynie Willis
Uncles: Justin Willis and Randy Crossland
Several cousins

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