An Indiana police officer and his wife are facing felony child neglect charges after allegedly subjecting their six-year-old daughter to a cruel and degrading punishment—forcing her to stand outside in freezing temperatures while holding a sign that detailed disturbing statements.
Authorities were alerted to the situation on January 19, when a concerned citizen called 911 to report seeing a young child standing in the snow for hours, holding what appeared to be an alarming message. Upon investigation, law enforcement discovered that the girl’s parents—Cody Scott, a Logansport police officer, and his wife, Kylie Scott—had allegedly devised this form of punishment as a response to behavioral issues.
When officers arrived, the child was found standing outside in 18-degree Fahrenheit (-8°C) weather, dressed in winter clothing but visibly uncomfortable. She had reportedly been out in the cold for 30-minute intervals, with brief 10-minute breaks indoors to warm up before being sent back outside again.
Disturbing Details Emerge
The sign the little girl was forced to hold contained a deeply unsettling message, reportedly written by her parents:
“I want to stab and kill my brother. I even take an antipsychotic. If you need to give pity, then give it to the victims.”
Investigators later uncovered that this wasn’t an isolated incident—the child had allegedly been subjected to similar humiliating punishments on multiple occasions.
Authorities stated that she had been forced to walk around public places, including Walmart, holding signs with degrading statements like:
- “I lie to hurt people.”
- “I pee on everything and cover it up like a cat.”
Court documents reveal that this particular punishment stemmed from an incident at church, where the girl reportedly “acted out” during Sunday school over a misunderstanding about makeup.
The alleged abuse came to light when a bystander saw the child standing outside and confronted Cody Scott directly. Instead of denying the situation, Scott allegedly defended his actions, telling the individual:
“Well, sir, aside from me cruelly beating her physically, I’ve not done any other punishment that’s worked for her.”
Scott allegedly went on to say that his daughter had a history of violent threats, claiming:
“She’s threatened to kill my family, she wants to embarrass us, she wants to urinate on herself, and destroy things in the house. I have a DCS caseworker involved, she’s been in therapy for three years, she also has the wrap-around program at school. She goes in every 30 minutes to warm back up, she’s bundled up very warm, and then she’ll come back out.”
Law Enforcement Steps In
When officers arrived at the scene, Indiana State Police investigators, along with Scott’s own supervisor, confronted the officer. It was confirmed that the little girl was on medication for behavioral issues, and that her parents had documented complaints about her acting out.
However, the affidavit filed by the investigator determined that the punishment was excessively severe, unnecessary, and degrading, far beyond what would be considered appropriate for addressing a child’s behavioral challenges.
Both Cody and Kylie Scott were charged with two felony counts of child neglect, and they turned themselves in at the Cass County Jail before being released on bond.
Legal Consequences and Upcoming Court Dates
Following the charges, Officer Cody Scott was placed on unpaid administrative leave from the Logansport Police Department, pending the outcome of his case.
Court records show that both parents pleaded not guilty, with their trials scheduled later this year:
- Cody Scott is set to appear in court on May 8, ahead of his trial in September.
- Kylie Scott is scheduled for a court appearance on May 22.
Authorities have not disclosed the current custody status of the child, but she is expected to be under state protection or in the care of a guardian while the case proceeds.
Public Outrage Over the Case
News of the case has sparked widespread outrage, with many condemning the couple’s treatment of their daughter. Social media users and legal analysts alike have voiced their disbelief at the psychological damage inflicted on the young girl.
Many argue that while children with behavioral difficulties may require intervention and discipline, forcing a child to stand in the freezing cold with humiliating signs crosses a clear line into abuse and neglect.
Experts have also weighed in, emphasizing that such public shaming tactics are not only harmful but can have long-lasting effects on a child’s mental health and self-esteem.
What’s Next?
With a trial looming and a deeper investigation ongoing, both Cody and Kylie Scott could face serious legal consequences if convicted. Child welfare advocates are calling for stronger protections against public humiliation as a form of punishment, highlighting how damaging these methods can be for vulnerable children.
For now, all eyes are on the courtroom, as the public awaits justice for the six-year-old girl who endured months of psychological torment at the hands of her own parents.
