Trial moved to July

The trial for a Portland woman charged with the death of her son has been moved again.

Chelsea L. Crossland, 27, is charged in Jay Circuit Court with murder, along with a Level 1 felony for neglect of a dependent resulting in death and a Level 1 felony for child molestation. Her trial has been rescheduled for July 17 through July 25. Her original trial date in September was pushed to the end of this month, but after a pre-trial Friday it was bumped again.

Chelsea was charged in March for allegedly neglecting and killing her 5-year-old son, Christian Crossland, as well as molesting her 9-year-old daughter.

Police found Christian dead March 24 in his home at 689 S. Western Ave., Portland. Chelsea told police he fell and became unresponsive.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed in connection to the case, Christian was “severely malnourished, had numerous bruises and contusions on his body and had abrasions and injuries to his face.” The condition of their home was listed as “unkept and filthy.”

An autopsy indicated Christian suffered blunt force trauma to the head and mouth, and it found evidence he “failed to thrive,” meaning he was malnourished and dehydrated.

Chelsea’s 9-year-old daughter told police her mother beat, spanked and chocked Christian with her hands and other objects, according to the affidavit. She said Chelsea punished Christian by withholding food from him for days at a time. The daughter also told police Chelsea didn’t immediately call emergency services after Christian’s death and talked about disposing of his body.

Nicholas Riddle, the boy’s father, said during a police interview that Chelsea had said before she wished Christian were dead.

Chelsea’s daughter also said she sexually abused her for two years, according to the affidavit.

In Indiana, murder carries a sentence of 45 to 65 years with an advisory sentence of 55 years.

A Level 1 felony for neglect of a dependent resulting in death and a Level 1 felony for child molestation when the person is at least 21 years old each carry a sentence of 20 to 40 years with an advisory sentence of 30 years.