4-Year-Old With Cerebral Palsy Found Dead After Being Locked in Closet
4-Year-Old With Cerebral Palsy Found Dead After Being Locked in Closet
On March 23, 2026, officers responded to a death investigation at a residence on Monticello Drive in Indianapolis, Indiana. Upon arrival, they found a 4-year-old child unresponsive inside the home. The child was later pronounced dead.
The victim was identified as 4-year-old Malachi Lovely.
According to investigators, Malachi, who had cerebral palsy and required constant care, was found living in unsafe and unsanitary conditions inside the home.
Authorities stated the child had been confined to a basement closet for extended periods of time. A sibling reportedly found him unresponsive with blood on his mouth and his eyes rolled back.
Investigators described the home as unkept, with piles of dirty clothing, unwashed dishes, and dirt-covered floors.
On April 1, 2026, 37-year-old Angel Lovely was charged with two counts of neglect of a dependent resulting in death. Lovely’s boyfriend, 37-year-old Nicholas Bergdoll, was charged with two counts of neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury.
Officials stated child services had previously been involved in the case and had removed Malachi from the home in April 2025 before returning him in June 2025.
