Seymour man accused in death of child

Joseph Michael-Wayne Scott. Photo courtesy of Indiana State Police

Indiana State Police say a Seymour man is facing a felony neglect charge after a six-week-old boy died while his father napped with him in a recliner.

The investigation started in March when the child was found unresponsive in the 500 block of Colvin Court, just east of Seymour. Rescue workers tried to save the boy but they were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead at the scene by the Jackson County Coroner’s office.

Troopers report that 31-year-old Joseph Michael-Wayne Scott was holding the boy when he fell asleep in the chair. A family member noticed that the boy was not breathing because of his position in the chair.

According to police reports, Scott was found to have marijuana and methamphetamine in his system while the boy was in his care.

A warrant was issued for Scott on a charge of neglect of a dependent resulting in death. He was arrested on Thursday and taken to the Jackson County Jail.