MUNCIE, IN – A Muncie man has admitted to abandoning his two young children, one of whom—a 3-month-old infant—was later found dead, and now faces up to nine years in prison.
Jacob Vera, 26, pleaded guilty to a felony charge of neglect of a dependent after entering a plea agreement with prosecutors. He had originally faced a more severe charge of neglect causing death, but the agreement resulted in the reduced charge, according to court documents.
The investigation began last March, when authorities responded to a call around 8:30 p.m. regarding a cardiac arrest at the Bestway Inn on North Broadway. Upon arrival, police found Vera’s infant daughter, Isabella Vera, unresponsive in a baby swing inside the motel room.
Paramedics pronounced Isabella dead at the scene and noted that she had already been deceased for at least two hours. According to police records, the children’s mother told officers she had left her two children—a 3-month-old infant and a 16-month-old toddler—in Vera’s care that afternoon while she went to work. When she returned after more than six hours, she discovered her older child crying in a playpen and found Isabella motionless in her swing. Vera was not present, and he had taken the family’s phone.
Investigators later learned that Vera had attempted to solicit a ride to Chicago from another motel guest, offering cash, but was denied. He eventually found someone else to drive him to Peoria, Illinois, more than 250 miles away. Police tracked Vera down and questioned him about his disappearance. He reportedly acknowledged he left the children unsupervised, stating he wanted to avoid “drama” with their mother.
The county coroner’s office determined that Isabella died from asphyxiation. Details surrounding the circumstances leading to her asphyxiation were included in the medical examiner’s report.
Following his arrest, Vera cooperated with authorities and later accepted a plea agreement. Under the deal, he will be sentenced to nine years in prison, with court records indicating a sentencing hearing scheduled for December 1.
The case drew attention in the local community, with Isabella’s obituary describing her as a joyful infant who “brought light to those around her.” Family members shared memories of Isabella’s smile and warm personality, emphasizing how much she was loved.
Vera remains in custody awaiting sentencing. The neglect case has underscored concerns about the dangers children face when left unsupervised and the legal consequences for guardians who fail to protect them.