Father Pleads Guilty in 3-Month-Old Daughter's Tragic Asphyxiation Death

On November 6, 2025, an Indiana man named Jacob Vera pleaded guilty to neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury in connection with the tragic death of his 3-month-old daughter, Isabella, earlier this year.

According to the details, on March 25, 2023, Vera was caring for Isabella and her sibling at a motel in Muncie, Indiana, while their mother, Jessica Brown, was at work. When Brown returned home, she found one child standing in a mobile crib crying, while Isabella was "swaddled in a blanket and rocking in a baby swing." Vera had apparently left the children unattended and fled the scene.

Brown immediately tried to get help, but it was too late. Medical personnel determined that signs of rigor mortis were already present in Isabella, indicating she had died approximately two hours before first responders arrived. A coroner later concluded that the infant had died from asphyxiation.

Vera, who was later located in Peoria, Illinois, admitted to leaving the children unattended, stating, "if I'm guilty of anything it's the leaving." He claimed he had swaddled Isabella and left her sleeping in the swing before traveling to Illinois to avoid any drama with Brown.

Vera is now scheduled to be sentenced on December 1, 2025, for his role in the tragic and preventable death of his young daughter. This heartbreaking case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible childcare and the devastating consequences that can arise from neglect.