Mother sentenced for role in death of 9-month-old daughter

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A mother has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for her role in the death of her 9-month-old daughter in 2023, according to the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO).

In December 2023, Ingris Marleni-Hernandez took her 9-month-old daughter, Ana, to the hospital, where it was determined she had suffered severe trauma in the head and neck area. Marleni-Hernandez was unable to provide a legitimate explanation of her daughter’s injuries, and according to officials, the victim’s injuries were consistent with abusive head trauma, likely consistent with violent shaking.

In November, Marleni-Hernandez pleaded guilty to neglect of a dependent and aggravated battery.

In accordance with the agreement, the sentence was open to the court with a sentencing floor of 12 years in prison, and the counts were to run consecutively. The defense counsel argued for a sentence of 12 years. Prosecutors sought a sentence of 30 – 32 years (the maximum). The court sentenced Marleni-Hernandez to 30 years in the Indiana Department of Correction.

“Any time a child loses their life, it is heartbreaking. But when that child is merely months old and completely dependent on a parent for safety and love— it is devastating,” said Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears. “The court’s sent...