An Indiana couple, Franklin Elmore Jr., 29, and Cheyenne Elmore, 27, have been charged with murder following the death of their 6-year-old son. The child was brought to the hospital on August 8, 2025, after reportedly becoming unresponsive, and later died from injuries deemed too severe to have been self-inflicted.
The Incident and Investigation
The boy’s father, Franklin Elmore, initially told hospital staff that his son “hit himself” before losing consciousness.
However, after examining the child, medical staff noted injuries that included a traumatic brain injury and a punctured lung—signs of severe trauma that suggested foul play. The Elkhart County Prosecutor’s Office then launched a further investigation into the incident.
During the investigation, authorities discovered that Cheyenne Elmore, the boy’s stepmother, had voiced complaints about the child’s behavior to her husband.
The couple allegedly admitted that on August 3, they were in the family’s playroom when Franklin “attacked” his son. According to court documents, the couple initially told authorities that the boy had a habit of hitting himself in the head as part of his behavioral issues.
Evidence of Abuse
A search of the Elmores’ phones revealed several photos of the boy, showing visible bruises and injuries.
The couple allegedly confessed to disciplining the child with physical exercise and by “whooping” him with a belt or their hands. Neighbors reported seeing the boy performing these exercises in the family yard, further indicating possible ongoing abuse.
Previous Concerns Raised by Biological Mother
The boy’s biological mother, who lives in Alabama, had raised concerns with Indiana’s Department of Child Services (DCS) regarding her son’s well-being.
She had reported that the child spoke of being “hungry at night” when he was punished. However, DCS reportedly closed the case, citing a lack of physical evidence of abuse after they did not find any bruises.
Charges and Court Date
Both Franklin and Cheyenne Elmore have been charged with murder, and both are being held in custody without bail. The next court date for the couple is set for August 14, 2025.
The Elkhart County Prosecutor’s Office and local authorities are continuing their investigation, with further details expected as the case progresses.
