A toddler boy who was found dead earlier this month was already decomposing by the time first responders discovered him, Indiana officials said on Monday.
On September 17, Shelbyville police officers responded to Sophie Igou’s residence and reportedly found her with her 22-month-old son, who was dead on their driveway. Though Igou told a 911 dispatcher that she discovered her son was cold to the touch, police noted that he appeared to be dead for an extended period of time, according to the Indianapolis Star.
Police reportedly searched the toddler’s crib and uncovered decomposing materials — including what they believe are pieces of his body. Additionally, investigators noted that the baby had protruding bones and that he appeared extremely malnourished and emaciated.
An autopsy confirmed that Igou’s son weighed only 14 pounds. Though police believe her son had been dead for some time, Igou claimed he had trouble holding down food and had vomited earlier that day, according to WTHR.
“Sophie appeared to act surprised when (police) told her that Jasper had to have been deceased for a significant period of time prior to her calling 911. When confronted with the condition of Jasper’s body, Sophie stated, ‘Did I do this?” police wrote, according to WTTK.
Igou said she was a single mother living with three children. Igou and her husband separated in November 2024, but they were regularly in contact regarding their children.
Police claimed that Igou’s home was in disarray, as it was infested with insects and littered with trash, according to the Indianapolis Star.
WTHR reported that Igou’s ex-husband had not seen the children in five weeks. Their two surviving children, ages 4 and 8, are currently with the Department of Child Services.
Igou was charged with neglect of a dependent resulting in death and neglect of a dependent. Her bond was set at $2 million.
The Shelby County Coroner’s Office said the toddler’s cause and manner of death will be finalized in the following weeks. It is unclear whether Igou will face upgraded charges after the full autopsy is completed.
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[Feature Photo: Shelbyville police]
