August 31, 2026
LaGrange County, IN – Two Howe, Indiana residents have been arrested following an Indiana State Police investigation into serious injuries sustained by an infant. The investigation began after the infant was taken to a hospital for medical treatment on July 17, 2026. After receiving information concerning the nature of the infant’s injuries, the LaGrange County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from Indiana State Police Indianapolis District Detectives, who assumed the lead on the investigation.
The results of the investigation were submitted to the LaGrange County Prosecutor’s Office. Criminal charges were subsequently filed, and arrest warrants were issued for:
- Spencer Slentz, 20, of Howe, who was arrested on August 21, 2026, on one count of Neglect of a Dependent Resulting in Catastrophic Injury, a Level 1 felony.
- Paige Barrett, 19, of Howe, who was arrested on August 28, 2026, on one count of Neglect of a Dependent Resulting in Catastrophic Injury, a Level 1 felony.
The investigation remains ongoing. No additional information concerning the infant’s injuries or medical condition will be released at this time.
All charges described in this release are allegations. Both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
According to court documents-
The investigation began after the infant was taken to a hospital for medical treatment on July 17.
According to previously reported allegations contained in the probable cause affidavit, the baby had been born June 30 — making the child just weeks old when hospitalized.
The affidavit alleges the infant arrived at Parkview Noble with dried blood coming from the nose and mouth, bruising and rib fractures. The baby was reportedly having difficulty breathing and had to be intubated.
A physician reportedly told a Department of Child Services caseworker that the injuries could not have occurred accidentally.
The child was later treated at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis.
According to medical information cited in the court affidavit, the infant remained in critical condition and was experiencing seizures as of Aug. 5. Investigators received a report suggesting the injuries were consistent with non-accidental trauma or abuse.
An Aug. 13 medical report cited in the affidavit reportedly indicated the child could die because of the severity of the injuries and would require technological assistance to survive for at least the next year.
Prior to the arrests, Slentz had created a GoFundMe page seeking financial assistance for himself and Barrett while they stayed near the hospitalized infant. The fundraiser described the child as being in critical care with a brain bleed and stated, “No one can tell us how or why.”
My name is Spencer Slentz, and my fiance Paige and I are trying to raise money so we can stay down in Indianapolis with our son while he is in the PICU at Riley’s Children’s Hospital. He’s in critical condition with a brain bleed at 20 days old. No one can tell us how or why. We just wanna be close to our boy instead of 3 hours away at home, just in case anything happens. Any and all donations are very greatly appreciated.
Mercer County Outlook 