6-Year-Old Girl Dies in Car Crash after Man Allegedly Punched Girlfriend While She Drove
An Indiana man allegedly punched his girlfriend while she drove four of her children on Sunday, causing a crash that led to the death of her 6-year-old daughter, PEOPLE confirms.
Nathaniel Jordan, 27, of Muncie, faces preliminary felony charges including neglect of a dependent causing death, criminal recklessness, and domestic battery, Sgt. John Bowling of the Indiana State Police tells PEOPLE.
Jessica Skeens, 28, of Farmland, was driving a van north on the Muncie Bypass at about 4:35 p.m. with four of her children — two in the middle row in child restraint seats, and two others in the back row allegedly without child restraint seats, according to a preliminary investigation.
Skeens and Jordan were arguing when he allegedly punched her and grabbed the steering wheel, causing her to lose control of the van, which careened off the highway and rolled over into a ditch, according to a release issued by the Indiana State Police.
Skeens’s 6-year-old daughter, Taelyn Woodson, who was sitting in the back row, was killed after being partially ejected from the van out a window.
Her three siblings were taken to IU Health’s Ball Memorial for treatment of minor injuries.
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Skeens was also taken to the hospital for treatment of a broken arm.
Jordan was arrested after he was treated and released for minor injuries, according to the release.
He was taken to the Delaware County Jail. He is awaiting arraignment and has not yet entered a plea.
He has not yet been formally charged by the district attorney, the Delaware County District Attorney’s office tells PEOPLE. It was not immediately clear if he has retained a lawyer.
This crash remains under investigation, with possible further charges pending toxicology reports. Alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor in the crash, according to the press release, though it was not clear which of the parties might have been drinking alcohol.
The press release also cited the alleged lack or improper use of child restraints and seat belts.
