I don't even know how to start this blog or where to go with it. I'm sure everyone who walks past my office notices that my head is in my hands and tears are running from my eyes. As a member of the media, it's my job to report on both the best that the human spirit can offer and also the most evil.

I was in meetings all morning and during a break, I scrolled through my Facebook news feed. That's when I saw that a man was formally charged in the kidnapping and death of 15-month-old Shaylyn Ammerman from Spencer, Indiana. I also saw that he raped and then smothered her.

The Indy Star reported, It was the "worst case of sexual trauma" forensic pathologist Donna Stewart had seen in her career. Stewart, who conducted the autopsy in Louisville, specializes in pediatric autopsies with sexual battery and molestation. Shaylyn had "numerous very apparent injuries sustained in a sexual assault," the autopsy found, according to an affidavit filed Monday.

Owen Co Jail
Owen Co Jail
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As the mother of a very little girl, I can't fathom it. I just can't. I can't imagine what this man was thinking or feeling. I can't imagine what this girl's family is going through learning their toddler was raped and beaten. And though I don't know this girl or her family personally, my heart goes out to them. I can't help but feeling helpless and heartbroken.

Shaylyn was taken out of her crib from her grandmother's home by a family friend. Twenty-two year old Kyle Parker, who looks like a nice, normal guy, was buddies with her uncle. She was kidnapped in the middle of the night. She was dressed in owl jammies and carried a pacifier and Winne the Pooh blanket; the epitome of innocence.

My biggest takeaway from this is that life is precious and fleeting. Always be vigilant about who is around your children and where they are at all times. Love them fiercely because tomorrow is not promised. And, I will pray for my daughter and all the children of the world. Many will face unimaginable abuse in their lifetime. Some already have; it's a cycle of evil that needs to stop.

If you or someone you know needs sexual counseling, please seek professional help today.

 

 

 

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