A six-month-old baby was discovered covered in blood with bones visible after being mauled by rats more than 50 times.
The infant was resting in his bassinet at his parents’ Indiana, US, residence and is now facing permanent disfigurement following the harrowing discovery.
The appalling discovery was made by shocked officers in 2023 when father David Schonabaum reported finding his young son drenched in blood. Medical staff noted that the baby had suffered over 50 bites across his forehead, cheek and nose.
READ MORE: ‘Rats the size of cats’ in ‘Walking Dead’ estate stare out humans from waste mountain
There’s lots of quality news coming out of the US .
Tragically, the child’s right hand had flesh stripped from all fingers and thumb, exposing the bone.
Authorities highlighted that the index and pinky fingers were particularly damaged, “missing the flesh halfway down each finger”.
Additionally, the baby had sustained numerous bites on his arms, legs, feet and toes, reports the Mirror US.
(Image: Vanderburgh County Jail)
At the trial, prosecutors implored the jury to hold the father accountable for neglect, which led to the degradation of his home into a perilous environment, culminating in the infant being devoured alive.
In their final statements, the prosecution detailed the lifelong disfigurement Schonabaum’s son would endure due to residing in what the attorney labelled an “unclean, unsanitary, rat-infested house.”
They claimed he persistently turned a blind eye to the deteriorating conditions at home “knowingly,” ignoring repeated warnings from DCS for two years to clean up the household.
What’s more, despite a pest control expert giving Schonabaum several 5-to-10 reusable rat traps, there was no sign that the traps had been put to use.
Schonabaum was found guilty of one count of Neglect of a Dependent Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury concerning his 6-month-old baby. His sentencing is set for October 2.
The infant is currently on the mend.
Join the Daily Star’s WhatsApp for the sexiest headlines, showbiz gossip and lots more
The Daily Star is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join us!
Through the app, we’ll send you the sassiest showbiz stories, some naught headline and a seismic smattering of aliens…along with the latest breaking news of course.
To join our community, all you have to do to join is click on this link, select ‘Join Chat’ and you’re in!
No one will be able to see who has sign up and no one can send messages except for the Daily Star team. We also treat our community members to competitions, special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.
If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.