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Mother of 18-month-old Anderson boy who died under 'suspicious circumstances' arrested

Posted at 10:18 PM, Apr 18, 2018
and last updated 2018-04-19 17:22:57-04

MADISON COUNTY, Ind. -- The mother of an 18-month-old Anderson boy who police say died under suspicious circumstances has been arrested in connection with his death.

Harlan Haines died in February at Riley Hospital for Children. Police say his mother’s then-boyfriend hit a utility pole with his vehicle while attempting to drive the young boy to the hospital.

That man was never identified as a suspect or person of interest in the case and police were waiting on autopsy results to determine Harlan’s official cause of death.

PHOTOS | Baby Harlan Haines

Harlan’s mother, Jennifer Harris, 27, was arrested Wednesday evening on a preliminary charge of neglect of a dependent causing death, according to the Anderson Police Department.

Police say detectives felt they had enough evidence after receiving the results of the medical reports and autopsy to bring charges in his death.

Harris spoke with RTV6 back in February about the circumstances surrounding her son's death. She said she woke up in the middle of the night and saw police outside her home working on her boyfriend and son. 

READ | Parents seek justice in baby Harlan's death

"I never thought for a second.. it just doesn't make sense," Harris said at the time. "Anyone that ever met my son fell in love with him. He was so sweet. I feel like I've lost my heart."

 

 

 

Harlan's death remains under investigation by the Anderson Police Department. 

Harlan's father, Jackie, said in February that he knew there was more to the story and he regretted that he wasn't there for his son.

"I should have been there, I wasn't," Jackie said. "I won't ever forgive myself that I wasn't there to protect him. He just doesn't deserve this. He doesn't deserve it at all."

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