An Indiana mother is demanding charges be filed against her babysitter after her three-year-old daughter was found dead in a septic tank while in her care.
Jill Humphries said she was devastated to learn that the babysitter, who is a minor and also her niece, will not face charges in the death of her daughter Kenna in October.
“I want justice,” she said Fox19. “I don't feel like justice has been served. She neglected my child and my child ended up dead in a septic tank.”
Ripley County Prosecutor Ric Hertel said she understood her disappointment that no charges were filed, but while his “heart goes out to her,” there are “some situations that are terrible accidents.”
Kenna, 3, was found dead in a septic tank in October while in the care of her babysitter
The heartbroken mother of the three-year-old girl, Jill Humphries (pictured), said her daughter's death “took something irreplaceable” as she demanded charges be laid over the tragedy.
Humphries said the tragedy occurred hours after she dropped Kenna off with her niece at her home in Versailles, Indiana, and left for work.
A few hours later she received a frantic phone call from her sister telling her: 'Something is wrong with Kenna, she's not moving. They're doing CPR.'
“She was hysterical,” she added.
Kenna had been found unconscious in a septic tank, where it was believed she had probably dragged open the lid of the tank and stepped into it on purpose, or fallen into it.
Humphries said her daughter was “icy cold” when she was found, and that she had “sewage in her hair and in her eyes.”
The distressed mother said she immediately left work and rushed to the hospital, but by the time she arrived, her daughter had already been declared dead.
“They all knew she was gone when she got there,” she said. “The coroner said she no longer had a fever.
“I rocked her for probably six and a half hours until the coroner and the deputy coroner promised me they would take good care of her.”
Although the coroner ruled the death a tragic accident not worthy of prosecution, Humphries said she was heartbroken by the decision.
“She took something from me that is irreplaceable…some days I can't get up, some days I can't bring myself to work,” she added.
“Negligence… she neglected my child, and as a result my child ended up dead in a septic tank.”
Kenna was described by a family member as 'the most beautiful thing ever' who 'loved Snapchat filters and sticking her tongue out'
Investigators said that while their “hearts go out” to the girl's devastated family, they were determined not to press charges, adding that there are “some situations that are terrible accidents.”
Kenna was found “icy cold” in a septic tank in October, which officials said was a “terrible accident.” It is believed she lifted the lid and climbed in or fell.
Humphries said she is considering filing a lawsuit in response to the decision to seek civil damages, but the lack of any criminal charges has left her even more saddened.
Humphries previously shared on social media her disbelief at the sudden loss of her 'beautiful and angelic' young daughter.
She said in a post this month: “I will say it over and over again until I can't say it anymore, (the babysitter) and who knows who else was there murdered my baby and swept it under a rug.”
“I have to figure out a way to survive without my beautiful baby girl.
'She was beautiful and angelic until her last breath and I cannot fathom how this happens.'
She said her family is not celebrating Christmas this year because the heartbreak has doubled over the loss of her sister, just two days after losing her daughter.
In a GoFundMe set up to help the mother cope with the tragedies, a friend named Alicia said Humphries “has been through more than most of us could ever imagine.”
“After a series of tragic events in Jill's life… she needs her warriors to step up and help as much as possible,” the fundraiser added.
According to an internet site, Kenna's father passed away earlier obituary for the three year old.
The obituary described her as “a cheerful and happy little girl” who was “full of life, had a great imagination and very much enjoyed swimming.
Humphries took to social media this month to share her disbelief at the sudden loss of her 'beautiful and angelic' young daughter
Tributes have been paid to the 'bright and cheerful' child as a relative said she was 'nothing but an angel'
“She danced to all her little songs that she loved. Kenna loved playing Barbies and her little teddy bear “Ted” brought her so much joy and comfort. Kenna's bright and cheerful smile will be greatly missed by her family and friends.”
As tributes continue to pour in for the loss of the little boy, another family member said in a Facebook post that Kenna was “the most beautiful thing ever.”
“She loved the Snapchat filters and stuck her tongue out: this one's for you little girl,” the message read.
'There are absolutely no words for it. Sissy loves you more than you'll ever know, baby. Everyone loved you and you loved everyone.
'You were the sweetest, the craziest and the boldest ever. Nothing but an angel. You will never be forgotten. You are so loved. Sissy loves you, princess.”