(12-6-25) Newly released probable cause affidavits in the Hartford City (Indiana) child abuse case outline extremely disturbing allegations against Jennifer Marie Revis and Ryan Revis, who were arrested Tuesday after 7-year-old Scarlett was found unresponsive with severe injuries.

Scarlett

First responders arrived at the home on West Commercial Street on December 2 after a call reporting a child having a seizure. Inside, they found her lying on a bed, cold, unresponsive, and covered in bruises from head to toe, including a dark bruise around her left eye and extensive bruising across her face and body. She was immediately transported to IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital.

Investigators say Scarlett’s stepmother, Jennifer Revis, initially claimed the child had thrown herself to the ground after being bitten by the family dog.

She later told investigators the child “triggered her,” describing her anger as “a thousand out of ten,” and admitted she frequently punished the girl simply because she didn’t like her. Jennifer also acknowledged waiting roughly 15 minutes before calling 911 after realizing the child wasn’t breathing.

Scarlett’s father, Ryan Revis, told detectives he had known for at least six months that Jennifer was physically abusing his daughter. He admitted to seeing bruises, noticing his daughter’s fearful behavior around Jennifer, and observing how the child waited to move until Jennifer left the room.

He also said he failed to intervene because he didn’t want to jeopardize his marriage and feared Jennifer would leave with their twin boys. Despite receiving a photo from Jennifer showing the child’s bruised face—Ryan took no action. He admitted he had also spanked the child in the past and routinely accepted Jennifer’s explanations for her injuries.

Doctors at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital have documented –

  • Seven circular bruises and abrasions on her right knee
  • Lower back had multiple large bruises and a large bruise on the top of her back
  • Swollen right hand with large bruising covering most of the right thumb and palm
  • Swollen face around her eyes and nose.

According to sworn statements, Scarlett remains unresponsive and has undergone emergency procedures to relieve pressure on her brain, with her condition still uncertain. She remains on a ventilator in the ICU.

Jennifer Revis was charged with the following in Blackford County: 

  • Neglect of a dependent resulting in catastrophic injury, a Level 1 felony
  • Neglect of a dependent resulting in serious injury, a Level 3 felony
  • Aggravated battery – posing a substantial risk of death, a Level 3 felony
  • Domestic battery with serious bodily injury to a person under 14, a Level 3 felony
  • Domestic battery by means of a deadly weapon, a Level 5 felony

Both are being held in the Blackford County Security Center as the investigation continues.

Ryan Revis was also charged in Blackford County with one count of neglect of a dependent resulting in catastrophic injury, a Level 1 felony.

The initial hearings for Jennifer and Ryan Revis are scheduled for Dec. 10 in Blackford County.

Authorities are expected to release additional information as court proceedings advance, and the community continues to hope for the child’s recovery.