A 25-year-old mother from Indiana, Hailynn Volpatti, was arrested and charged with felony neglect five months after allegedly leaving her 21-month-old special needs foster child, Nova Bryant, unattended in a bathtub, resulting in the child’s tragic drowning. Court records reviewed by Law&Crime show that Volpatti is facing one count of felony neglect of a dependent leading to death following the incident on May 21, 2024.
According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by WTHR, the drowning took place at Volpatti’s apartment in Brazil, Indiana, roughly 70 miles west of Indianapolis, while she was the only adult present. Her husband was reportedly at work at the time. Emergency responders arrived on the scene that evening after Volpatti contacted authorities, finding Nova unresponsive in the bathtub.
Responding officers and paramedics performed lifesaving measures on Nova, managing to obtain a “faint pulse” from the child. She was then transported to a nearby hospital before being transferred to Riley Hospital in Indianapolis for specialized treatment due to the severity of her condition. Tragically, Nova succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead on June 16, nearly a month after the incident.
In her initial interview with the police, Volpatti stated that she had placed Nova in the bathtub along with her two four-year-old sons, leaving them briefly to get a drink. Upon returning to the bathroom, Volpatti reportedly found Nova floating on her back, unresponsive. According to the affidavit, police have stated that the child was left unattended, a decision that allegedly contributed to the tragic accident.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the circumstances of the child’s death, particularly as Nova was a special needs child requiring attentive care. Authorities have charged Volpatti with felony neglect, reflecting the serious responsibility placed upon foster parents to safeguard vulnerable children in their care.
As the investigation continues, Volpatti’s arrest highlights the severe consequences of neglect, especially in cases involving young children with special needs. The heartbreaking loss of Nova has impacted the community and raised awareness around the critical duty of care foster parents hold.