Indiana Father Pleads Guilty After Leaving Infant to Die in Baby Swing While Fleeing State to ‘Avoid Drama’

MUNCIE, INDIANA – An Indiana father has pleaded guilty to neglect resulting in serious bodily injury following the heartbreaking death of his 3-month-old daughter, whom he left swaddled in a baby swing for hours before hitching a ride out of state. The tragic case has shocked the community and reignited discussions about child neglect and accountability.

Guilty Plea and Case Background

According to court records, 32-year-old Jacob Vera entered a guilty plea on November 6, 2025, in Delaware County Circuit Court, nearly two years after the March 25, 2023, incident at the Bestway Inn in Muncie. Prosecutors said Vera could face up to 16 years in prison when sentenced on December 1.

Investigators determined that Vera was solely responsible for caring for baby Isabelle Vera and her sibling while their mother, Jessica Brown, worked an evening shift. When Brown returned home around 8:30 p.m., she discovered Vera missing, their only phone gone, and one child crying alone in a crib.

Mother’s Discovery and Tragic Scene

Brown then found her infant daughter Isabelle motionless in a baby swing, swaddled tightly under two blankets. Paramedics later confirmed that rigor mortis had already set in, indicating the baby had been deceased for at least two hours before she was found.

Authorities stated that Vera had left the motel earlier that evening and was seen seeking rides out of state. Witnesses recalled him frantically asking for transportation, with one motel guest refusing his request for a trip to Chicago. Another woman told investigators that Vera paid her for gas to drive him to Peoria, Illinois, where he was found three days later.

Father’s Confession and Investigation Details

During questioning on March 28, 2023, Vera admitted to leaving both children unattended, telling police, “If I’m guilty of anything, it’s the leaving.” He explained that he swaddled Isabelle, placed a blanket over her, and left while she was asleep — allegedly to avoid what he called “drama” with Jessica Brown.

A probable cause affidavit detailed that Vera’s actions directly led to the infant’s death due to prolonged neglect. Officials said the baby’s condition upon discovery showed clear signs of suffocation and overheating, consistent with being tightly wrapped and left unsupervised for an extended period.

Community Reaction and Legal Outlook

The case has stirred heartbreak and outrage across Indiana, with residents expressing disbelief at the circumstances surrounding the infant’s death. Child welfare advocates have called the situation a devastating example of preventable neglect, stressing the need for stronger parental support and awareness of safe sleep practices.

Prosecutors said Vera’s guilty plea spares the family from reliving the tragedy during trial, though sentencing will determine whether he receives the full 16-year maximum penalty.

As of now, Jessica Brown has not been charged and is cooperating fully with investigators.

A Reminder of Accountability and Care

Authorities emphasized that this case serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of responsible caregiving and community vigilance. Leaving infants unattended — even briefly — can have fatal consequences.

Sentencing for Jacob Vera is scheduled for December 1, 2025, at Delaware County Circuit Court.

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