INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Two Indianapolis residents are facing serious criminal charges following accusations that they neglected and physically abused a 3-year-old girl, resulting in catastrophic injuries.
Joshua Cajigas, 24, and Mellie Jackson, 22, were arrested after police responded to an emergency call on the evening of August 7, reporting an unresponsive child at a home on the 7400 block of Waterfront Drive. When officers arrived, they found the toddler in a dire state — described as unresponsive, severely underweight, and covered in bruises. The child was also reportedly drenched and appeared limp.
Cajigas, who is the child’s father, and Jackson, his girlfriend, have both been charged with neglect of a dependent causing catastrophic injury. Authorities have also charged Cajigas with domestic battery resulting in serious bodily injury, as well as battery causing serious bodily injury.
Emergency personnel transported the child to a nearby hospital, where she was listed in critical condition. Medical staff observed extensive bruising, a brain bleed, and further signs suggesting a high risk of fatality due to the severity of her wounds.
According to police records, both Cajigas and Jackson initially claimed that a dresser had fallen onto the child, causing her injuries. However, subsequent interviews revealed inconsistencies. Cajigas later admitted to officers that he would discipline the girl with physical punishment for behaviors he deemed disrespectful or for wetting the bed, revealing a pattern that may have contributed to her condition.
The case has also raised questions about prior warnings to authorities. The child’s biological mother stated that she alerted officials months earlier about her concerns over Cajigas’ alleged history of abuse. She asserted that she had documented her concerns before losing custody in May, but those warnings were not acted upon thoroughly.
The Indiana Department of Child Services, along with other investigative units, responded swiftly to the incident, beginning a joint investigation into the circumstances that led to the child’s injuries. Their findings resulted in the arrest of both adults soon after the initial call.
Court documents further highlight that the child was subjected to what Cajigas described as “discipline drills,” and that bedwetting was cited as another reason for punishment. Details about the frequency and extent of these alleged disciplinary actions are part of the ongoing investigation.
Both Cajigas and Jackson are being held as they await their court proceedings. A jury trial is set for October 14, where they will face the charges against them.
As the investigation continues, authorities and child advocates are reviewing how previous allegations of abuse were managed, with calls for closer scrutiny in similar cases to prevent tragedies. The child remains hospitalized as medical staff work to treat her life-threatening injuries.