INDIANAPOLIS (TCN) — A mother has been found guilty of murder, criminal confinement, and battery in connection with the 2024 death of her 5-year-old daughter.
On April 9, 2024, Kinsleigh Welty was found in a feces-covered closet, where she was reportedly kept for 20 hours a day. She was pronounced dead at a hospital and weighed 21 pounds, just 2 pounds more than she had weighed at age 2.
Welty’s mother, Toni McClure; McClure’s boyfriend, Ryan Smith; and Welty’s grandmother Tammy Hasley were charged in connection with the child’s death. McClure was 29 at the time.
An affidavit obtained by People alleged that 2022 messages between McClure and Halsey referred to the child as “evil” and a “demon.”
In a news release at the time of the arrests in April 2024, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Chief Chris Bailey said, “The circumstances of Kinsleigh’s death are horrific and beyond comprehension. No human being, let alone a child, should be treated like she was. These alleged suspects, if convicted, should never step foot outside of a prison.”
In December 2025, Smith and Halsey pleaded guilty to neglect resulting in death in exchange for 20-year sentences. WXIN reports that as a condition of their plea deals, they had to cooperate fully in the investigation and prosecution of McClure.
McClure’s first trial ended in a mistrial in June, according to WXIN, after a juror reportedly communicated inappropriately with a witness.
McClure was found guilty of murder, criminal confinement, and battery on Sept. 1, according to WXIN. She faces up to life in prison when sentenced on Sept. 3.
Of the verdict, Welty’s grandfather Brian Welty said, “We are so happy about the verdict, especially that it was found to be intentional. We are really hoping for life without parole. This is a small step toward justice. She will still get to live life and will be provided with a bed, toilet, and food, which is more than she ever provided for our granddaughter,” WRTV reports.
Welty’s obituary says she “will be remembered for her loving, caring, and sweet way toward her family and friends. Kinsleigh was one who made sure everyone was happy and did what it took to make one laugh.”
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