Ohio Mother Arrested After Disturbing Video Shows Alleged Child Abuse
An Ohio mother, Haley Marie Ryan, 21, has been arrested following the release of a disturbing video on social media that allegedly shows her engaging in child abuse. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office confirmed her arrest on Wednesday, citing one count of endangering children.
Details of the arrest
Ryan’s arrest came after the sheriff’s office received “several” complaints and “notifications” about the video. The footage, described as “disturbing” by authorities, shows a woman screaming at and hitting a baby in a crib. Ryan was initially booked into jail, with formal charges pending. Since her arrest, at least one charge has been filed, with more potentially on the way.
“Disturbing is the only word that probably is appropriate,” Chief Deputy Matt Haines told Dayton-based CBS affiliate WHIO.
The shocking footage
In the viral video, a woman is seen bent over a crib, loudly shrieking at the baby inside. Moments later, she appears to slap or hit at something inside the crib—presumably her baby boy—repeatedly. The video is blurry and hectic, making it difficult to determine the exact nature of the contact.
As the video ends, the woman storms away, and the person filming the scene—allegedly the child’s father—goes to check on the baby in the crib.
The video has been shared and viewed thousands of times on various social media platforms, including YouTube and TikTok, resulting in widespread community outrage.
“It was one of those things that literally went viral for all the wrong reasons. We started getting phone calls from as far away that I know of from at least Texas,” Haines told the TV station.
Investigation and legal proceedings
The incident allegedly occurred inside the baby’s father’s apartment in Harrison Township, a small municipality within the Cincinnati metro area, a few days before the video was posted online.
“It’s still a very active and open investigation. We’re trying to decide if anybody else should face charges,” Haines added. “And that would include if there is something that can be done when somebody either fails to intervene or fails to report.”
The child, who is less than a year old, is now safe and in the custody of Montgomery County Children’s Services.
Ryan is being held in the Montgomery County Jail on $25,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 21.
This harrowing incident has sparked a broader conversation about child welfare and the responsibilities of parents and bystanders in such situations.
