Travis Tuttle
Travis Tuttle
With the acceptance of a plea agreement, a non-custodial father is now admitting responsibility for the drug-induced death of his young son two and a half years ago.
Travis E. Tuttle, 37, of 4373 Serenity Drive, Columbus, pleaded guilty in Bartholomew Superior Court 1 Monday to neglect of a dependant resulting in death. The Level 1 felony is punishable by 20 to 40 years in prison, as well as fines of up to $10,000.
An autopsy showed his 8-year-old son, Lealyn Tuttle, died March 21, 2021 from acute fentanyl and diphenhydramine intoxication during a weekend visit with his father.
When investigators arrived, they found a razor blade along with aluminum foil containing white powder residue near the boy’s body, according to court documents. Investigators located narcotics including fentanyl as well as drug paraphernalia inside the home, Columbus Police spokesman Lt. Matt Harris said.
Detectives from the Columbus Police Department began an investigation that lasted several months. They found that the defendant’s cellphone contained photos of the victim, a Clifty Creek second grader, with foil on his teeth and gums. It appears the boy was using the foil to imitate having jewelry in his mouth, Harris said.
Tuttle was charged eight months after his son’s death on Nov. 29. Since his arrest, the defendant has remained in jail in lieu of a $1 million bond.
During questioning from Bartholomew County Prosecutor Lindsey Holden-Kay and Judge James Worton, Tuttle showed no emotion while answering questions with quick ‘yes’ or ‘no’ replies regarding his guilt in the death of his son. But when asked if he had a drug or alcohol addiction, Tuttle paused before admitting he was a substance abuser.
In exchange for his guilty plea, prosecutors agreed to drop a lesser charge of possession of a narcotic drug as a Level 6 felony. Sentencing has been scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 24.
As late as Oct. 9th, Tuttle told the the court he wanted a jury trial that was scheduled to begin on Oct. 31. Public defender Aaron Edwards was allowed extra time Monday to explain the terms of the new plea agreement to his client.
