Travis Tuttle
COLUMBUS, Ind. — A plea bargain offered to a non-custodial father facing Level 1 felony neglect charge in the death of his young son calls for him to plead guilty to the neglect charge in exchange for dismissal of a narcotic drug possession charge.
Travis E. Tuttle, 37, of 4373 Serenity Drive, is accused of neglect of a dependent for the March 21, 2021 death of 8-year-old son, Lealyn Tuttle, according to court records. An autopsy showed the Clifty Creek second grader, who was staying the night with his father on a weekend visit, died from acute fentanyl and diphenhydramine intoxication.
Detectives found a razor blade along with aluminum foil containing white powder residue near the boy’s body, according to court documents. The defendant’s cellphone contained photos of the victim with foil on his teeth and gums. Investigators say it appears the boy was using the foil to imitate having jewelry in his mouth.
Bartholomew County Prosecutor Lindsey Holden-Kay said the plea bargain in Bartholomew Superior Court 1 calls for Tuttle to plead guilty to the neglect charge, in exchange for dismissal of a Level 6 felony narcotic possession charge.
Tuttle’s public defender Aaron Edwards told Judge James Worton the defense needs more time to consider the proposal from the prosecutor’s office.
New court hearing dates have been set in the case, according to court records. Worton scheduled new hearing dates in the case. A change of plea hearing has been set for June 26 at 9:45 p.m.; a final pre-trial conference is scheduled for July 10; and a tentative trial date of July 18 at 8:30 a.m. has been put on the court’s calendar.
