Indiana mom faces life in prison after 5-year-old daughter dies severely malnourished and covered in feces

Toni McClure has been found guilty of murder, criminal confinement, and battery following the death of her 5-year-old daughter, Kinsleigh Welty. She now faces a potential sentence of life in prison when she appears in court soon.

As reported by True Crime News, the investigation into the 2024 death of the young girl revealed a series of disturbing conditions within the home. In April 2024, responding officers reportedly discovered Kinsleigh in a closet covered in feces. The child was severely malnourished, weighing only 21 pounds at the time of her death. 

This weight was alarmingly low, as it was reportedly only two pounds more than what she weighed when she was 2 years old. Medical observations at the hospital further noted that the child had fecal matter matted in her hair and a bruise on her face.

She was abused for years 

Authorities allege that the abuse had been ongoing for years. An affidavit seen by People detailed messages from 2022 between McClure and the child’s grandmother, Tammy Halsey, which reportedly showed they referred to the young girl as “evil” and a “demon.” 

These messages also provided evidence that the girl was frequently confined to a locked closet for up to 20 hours a day. In one exchange from May 2022, Halsey reportedly told McClure to, “Put something in front so she can’t push the door.”

Additional messages cited in the affidavit describe attempts to restrain the child, with Halsey writing, “Damn do it tighter,” after McClure reported that the girl had escaped her confinement. The documents also suggest that the two women actively worked to conceal the child’s condition and hid her from child services.

In addition to McClure, two other individuals were reportedly charged in connection with the case. McClure’s boyfriend, Ryan Smith, and the child’s grandmother, Tammy Halsey, were both charged with neglect resulting in death. In December 2025, Smith and Halsey pleaded guilty to those charges and received 20-year sentences. As part of their plea agreements, they were required to cooperate with the prosecution of McClure.

Following the final verdict, the child’s grandfather, Brian Welty, expressed his reaction to the outcome. He stated, “We are so happy about the verdict, especially that it was found to be intentional. We are really hoping for life without parole. This is a small step toward justice. She will still get to live life and will be provided with a bed, toilet, and food, which is more than she ever provided for our granddaughter.”

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Chief Chris Bailey commented on the nature of the case during the initial arrests in April 2024. He stated, “The circumstances of Kinsleigh’s death are horrific and beyond comprehension. No human being, let alone a child, should be treated like she was. These alleged suspects, if convicted, should never step foot outside of a prison.”