Indiana Parents Charged with Murder in Death of 6-Year-Old Son After Hospital Staff Reject Self-Inflicted Injury Claim

SAVAGE ROYALT ENT
Aug 12
2 min read

By Savage RoyalT | August 12, 2025 | SavageRoyalT.com

Authorities in Elkhart County, Indiana, have charged Franklin Elmore Jr., 29, and his wife, Cheyenne Elmore, 27, with murder in the death of Franklin’s 6-year-old son. This case began with a disturbing and implausible claim.

On Aug. 8, the Elmores brought the boy to Elkhart General Hospital, where Franklin told medical staff the child had “hit himself” before becoming unresponsive. Doctors and a trauma surgeon quickly rejected that account, noting the boy’s injuries, a traumatic brain injury and a punctured lung, were far too severe to be self-inflicted. The boy died shortly afterward.

Investigators say the couple admitted to disciplining the boy through excessive physical exercise and “whooping” him with a belt or their hands. Court records allege that on the night of Aug. 3, Cheyenne complained to Franklin about the child’s behavior. In the home’s playroom, Franklin allegedly “attacked” his son. When the boy became unresponsive, they called 911 but misled medical staff with the self-harm story.

A search of the couple’s phones uncovered multiple photos of the boy with visible bruises. Neighbors told police they had witnessed the child doing strenuous exercises in the yard as punishment. The boy’s biological mother, who lives in Alabama, had previously contacted Indiana’s Department of Child Services with concerns, reporting that her son said he was sometimes sent to bed hungry. According to her, DCS responded that there was “nothing to investigate” after finding no visible bruises.

Despite those warnings, the alleged abuse continued until the fatal incident. Both Elmores are being held without bail and are scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 14. The Department of Child Services has declined to release records, citing the ongoing criminal investigation.