by Madison County, Ind. – An Indiana couple has received lengthy prison sentences following the death of their 17-month-old daughter, who sustained multiple traumatic injuries, authorities said. Nicolas Arnett, 29, was sentenced to 40 years, and Shelby Langford, 24, received 38 years after being convicted of neglect of a dependent resulting in catastrophic injury or death in December 2025.
Case Background
The case began on Dec. 5, 2023, when Arnett and Langford called 911, reporting that their daughter, Kamryn, then 10 months old, was struggling to breathe. Upon arrival at the hospital, medical staff noted multiple bruises in varying stages of healing, a dangerously low body temperature of 90.8°F, and extremely high blood sugar, prompting police involvement.
Arnett initially suggested Kamryn’s condition was related to a prior infection or anemia and mentioned that their 3-year-old child was “rough” with the baby. Police later found that Kamryn had an old fracture on her spine, severe head injuries, slipped discs near her hip preventing her from walking, suffered a stroke, and experienced four seizures.
Conflicting Accounts
Both parents gave conflicting statements about the baby’s injuries. Langford claimed she treated Kamryn cautiously due to the couple losing another child in 2021, saying she treated her like a “porcelain baby doll.” The couple also cited a scuffle involving Arnett’s mother and sister, claiming the sister accidentally landed on Kamryn, though the sister stated she could not recall doing so.
Department of Children’s Services Findings
The Department of Children’s Services reviewed the case and reported that Kamryn’s injuries were traumatic in nature and not the result of an accident or underlying medical condition. Based on the findings, Arnett and Langford were arrested in March 2024 and formally charged with neglect of a dependent.
Outcome
Kamryn was transferred to Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, but tragically, she died in September 2024, according to the Madison County Prosecutor’s Office. The parents’ convictions and subsequent sentences mark the conclusion of a two-year investigation into the fatal abuse of the child.
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