Muncie Couple Faces Felony Charges in Child Neglect Case
MUNCIE, Ind. – A Muncie couple has been charged with over a dozen felonies each after a police investigation revealed severe and prolonged abuse against their 10-year-old son.
The charges show the child being singled out for cruel punishments, including being starved, isolated, and physically assaulted by his own siblings at the direction of his parents.
Adam Greenwood, 38, and Melody Greenwood, 36, are each facing 13 counts, including neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury and battery. The investigation by Muncie police began on February 24 after officers encountered the boy and were alarmed by his “extremely skinny and emaciated” appearance, which prompted a report to the Indiana Department of Child Services.
According to court documents, the abuse was framed as “punishment” for supposed behavioral issues. Melody Greenwood allegedly told officers the victim was being “grounded” and was only permitted to eat canned food, such as beans and tomatoes. Meanwhile, his seven other siblings were allowed to eat regular meals like cheeseburgers and fast food.
Interviews with the other Greenwood children conducted by DCS investigators revealed a disturbing daily routine for the young boy. He was reportedly forced to stand facing a wall for approximately 10 to 12 hours a day with a blanket over his head.
The neglect also extended to the children’s education. All eight children were homeschooled, but according to one of the siblings, the parents delegated most of the teaching duties to the 17-year-old and 14-year-old. The curriculum reportedly consisted of little more than reading three chapters of a book each day.
Adam and Melody Greenwood were formally charged on June 5 in Delaware Circuit Court 4. Both have since been released from the Delaware County Jail after posting bond.
