Jill Humphries: Indiana mother demands charges against 16-year-old niece after daughter, 3, found dead in septic tank

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

INDIANA, UNITED STATES: A mother is urging authorities to make an arrest in connection with the demise of her 3-year-old daughter, who was discovered lifeless inside a septic tank in October. 

Notably, Jill Marie Humphries is now pressing for the prosecution of her 16-year-old niece who the babysitter of young Kenna Harper Wilson at the time of her tragic death, alleging negligence in the care of the toddler.

Jill Marie Humphries recounts distressing time of her daughter's tragic end

As reported by Law&Crime, Humphries recounted a distressing phone call she received from her sister in October, just hours after departing for work. According to Humphries, her sister was inconsolable crying and conveyed that emergency responders were performing CPR on her daughter, Kenna Harper Wilson. 

Describing her sister's emotional state, Humphries shared, “She was hysterical, She said, ‘There’s something wrong with Kenna. She’s not moving, and they’re doing CPR.'"

She further explained that she promptly left work and rushed to Norton King’s Daughters’ Hospital in Madison, Indiana.

 However, upon her arrival, it was already apparent that Kenna had passed away. The coroner informed Humphries that Kenna had "no heat left in her" when she reached the facility, and she was officially pronounced dead at 7:36 pm. Humphries added, "She was ice cold. She had sewage in her hair and in her eyes. I rocked her for probably 6 1/2 hours before the coroner and the Deputy Coroner promised me they would take good care of her."

While concluding, Humphries disagreed, asserting her belief that charges should be brought against her niece. She stated, "I’d like justice. I don’t feel like any justice has been served. Negligence. She neglected my child. And my child, as a result, ended up dead in a septic tank."

What did Investigators say about Kenna’s death?

The Ripley County Prosecutor’s Office informed the station that Indiana State Police troopers promptly responded to the scene, where a preliminary investigation indicated that the toddler had wandered away from the babysitter and was alone when she reached the septic tank.

Investigators discovered evidence suggesting that Kenna likely manipulated the tank lid. However, it remains unclear whether she climbed into the tank or fell in.

County Prosecutor Ric Hertel expressed that Kenna's death, while tragic, did not seem to result from criminal wrongdoing. In an email to the station, he stated, "My heart goes out to her, but there are some situations that are terrible accidents."

Humphries’s longtime friend raises $4k on GoFundMe

A GoFundMe campaign was initiated by Alicia Benham, who identified herself as a "lifelong friend" of Humphries, aiming to provide support for her.

The friend claimed, "Hi, my name is Alicia. I am asking for donations for my life long friend, Jill Humphries. Jill lost her three year old daughter, Kenna."

Further Benham penned, "After a string of tragic events in Jill's life, she is going through more than most of us could never imagine and she needs her warriors to step up and help as much as possible."

Benhman concluded, "The funds will go towards funeral and memorial expenses and anything Jill needs at this time. Please help if you can and pray for Jill, Hailie and Aaron and all of the family that loved little beautiful princess Kenna. Thank you."

At the time of writing, they have received over $4,000 out of their $10,000 goal.