The Indianola Police Department has charged a woman with murder for the death of an infant.

Following a joint investigation with the department, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Warren County Attorney’s Office, 51-year-old Melissa Hancock of Indianola has been accused of first-degree murder in connection with the October 12th, 2024, death of a four-month-old who was in her care. First-degree murder is a Class A felony in Iowa.

At approximately 11:55 a.m. on October 8th, the Indianola Police Department and Indianola Fire Department were dispatched to a 911 call from Hancock’s in-home daycare at 307 E Clinton Avenue in Indianola. First responders found an unresponsive infant the home, who was subsequently air-lifted to a Des Moines hospital, where he died on October 12th.

The investigation and medical examinations revealed both “new and healing” injuries consistent with a “pattern” of child abuse caused by Hancock, according to the investigation and court documents. A criminal complaint also mentioned text messages from Hancock that “expressed irritation with the victim.”

Hancock turned herself in at approximately 7:30 this morning. She is currently being held at the Warren County Jail on $500,000 bond.