Left: Jennifer Revis. Right: Ryan Revis (Blackford County Jail).
In a tragic case that has shocked the Indiana community, a mother and father find themselves incarcerated following allegations of severe abuse against their 7-year-old daughter, who is currently battling life-threatening injuries. Medical professionals fear for her survival as the father allegedly watched the horrifying events unfold.
Jennifer Revis, 33, faces multiple charges, including neglect of a dependent causing catastrophic injury, aggravated battery, and domestic battery resulting in serious harm to a child under 14. Her husband, Ryan Revis, 28, has been charged with neglect of a dependent leading to catastrophic injury.
The incident came to light when police responded to a report of an unresponsive child at a residence on West Commercial Street in Hartford City, located approximately 80 miles northeast of Indianapolis. The call, placed on a Tuesday afternoon, led authorities to a shocking discovery, as reported by Indianapolis Fox affiliate WXIN and Fort Wayne ABC affiliate WPTA.
Initially, Jennifer Revis told authorities that her daughter had experienced a seizure following an argument. However, upon the girl’s arrival at the hospital, doctors were alarmed by the numerous bruises covering her body and the severe brain damage she had sustained. Medical experts quickly determined that these injuries were not accidental, casting grim prospects for the young girl’s recovery.
In their efforts to unravel the truth, detectives interviewed the parents separately, uncovering a disturbing narrative. Jennifer Revis claimed that the ordeal began when her daughter pushed her brother, leading to a series of violent events. Initially, she alleged that she had simply restrained her daughter, who then suffered a seizure after being bitten by a dog. However, as investigators probed deeper, they reportedly uncovered a history of appalling abuse.
According to the mother, the incident that set the events in motion was when the girl pushed her brother. Jennifer Revis initially claimed she grabbed her daughter before the girl had a seizure after the dog bit her. But the further cops delved into her story, they reportedly uncovered “abhorrent” abuse over a period of time.
The mother said she flew into a “rage” over the girl disrespecting her, though she was unable to articulate what the victim actually did or said to set her off, the affidavit reportedly stated. She did reportedly say she used a hammer to hit the girl”s hands and feet, and slapped and punched the girl.
“I can’t tell right from wrong anymore,” she allegedly said. “I see rage, bro, when she talks to me like that, I just see rage and I don’t know. I just lost it.”
Jennifer Revis reportedly said “she’s awful to deal with” and mentioned prior abuse.
“I did beat the s— out of her two days ago,” she reportedly told cops.
Ryan Revis said in an interview with detectives that he saw his daughter’s injuries but “chose not to intervene” based on his fear that authorities may take away his other kids. But his wife also pointed the finger at him, reportedly saying he choked the girl and threw her against the wall. According to his wife, Ryan Revis hated his daughter and wanted to murder her.
But Jennifer Revis ultimately took responsibility for her actions, saying she “went too far.”
“I should have more self-control,” she reportedly said. “I’m an adult.”
Both suspects remain in the Blackford County Jail. Their next court date is scheduled for Wednesday.
