A five-year-old girl, Kinsley Welty, tragically starved to death after being locked in a closet for months, prompting a lawsuit against the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) and several individuals allegedly responsible for her care. The harrowing details surrounding Kinsley’s demise have emerged, painting a grim picture of neglect and abuse that ultimately led to her untimely death in early 2024.
When Kinsley was rushed to an Indianapolis hospital, she weighed a mere 21 pounds, less than she had at two years old. Medical personnel described her as severely malnourished, with visible bones protruding through her skin, and her body infested with lice. The young girl was found covered in feces, with matted hair and bruises, a heartbreaking testament to the conditions she endured while confined in a closet in a trailer home.
Kinsley’s grandfather, Brian Welty, has filed a lawsuit against DCS, alleging that the agency failed in its duty to protect his granddaughter, who had been the subject of multiple investigations since infancy due to her mother, Tony McClure’s, history of neglect. Despite numerous reports of abuse and neglect, Kinsley was repeatedly returned to her mother’s custody, culminating in her tragic death. Welty’s lawsuit names not only McClure but also her boyfriend, Ryan Smith, and her mother, Tammy Hollley, who are facing felony charges related to Kinsley’s death.
The details of the case are chilling. According to court documents, Kinsley was kept in the closet for extended periods, often without food or water. Witnesses, including her siblings, reported that she was given only a single sandwich each day and was frequently punished for minor infractions. The closet, described as a “cage,” was found with small handprints marked in fecal matter, indicating Kinsley’s desperate attempts to escape.
In the wake of Kinsley’s death, investigators revealed a troubling pattern of neglect by DCS. Multiple reports of abuse were filed, yet the agency failed to take appropriate action, often closing cases as unsubstantiated without proper investigation. The lawsuit alleges that DCS employees ignored clear signs of Kinsley’s suffering, including her emaciated appearance, which was noted by a case worker just weeks before her death.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Kinsley’s grandfather is determined to hold both the defendants and DCS accountable for their roles in this tragedy. He has expressed his anguish, stating, “No child should ever die that way. No one should ever have to bury a five-year-old because people didn’t do their jobs.”
The case has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about the effectiveness of child protective services in Indiana. Advocates are calling for systemic changes to ensure that vulnerable children are protected from neglect and abuse. As Kinsley’s story continues to unfold in the courtroom, the community is left grappling with the profound loss of a little girl who never had a chance at a safe and loving childhood.
