Murder trial begins Monday

A Portland woman charged with the death of her son will go to trial next week.

Chelsea L. Crossland, 28, will begin her trial in Jay Circuit Court on Monday. She’s charged with murdering her 5-year-old son, Christian Crossland, as well as a Level 1 felony for neglect of a dependent resulting in death and a Level 1 felony for child molestation.

Chelsea was charged in March 2022 for the alleged crimes, which include molesting her 9-year-old daughter.

Emergency responders arrived for a 911 call to their home, 689 S. Western Ave., Portland, on March 24, 2022, and found Christian dead. Chelsea told police he fell and became unresponsive, court documents say.

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

The 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 daughter told police her mother spanked, beat and choked Christian with her hands and other objects, the affidavit says. She also said Christian would be punished by withholding food from him for days at a time.

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

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

Murder carries a sentence of 45 to 65 years with an advisory sentence of 55 years in Indiana.

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 that ranges between 20 and 40 years with an advisory sentence of 30 years.