Charge dismissed as trial is underway

A Portland woman accused of neglecting and killing her son started her trial Monday.

Prior to jury selection, one of her charges was dismissed.

Chelsea L. Crossland’s charge of molesting her 9-year-old daughter, a Level 1 felony, was dismissed during her trial in Jay Circuit Court on Monday. She also renewed a request for a change of venue.

Crossland, 28, is charged with murdering her 5-year-old son, Christian, as well as a Level 1 felony for neglect of a dependent resulting in death. Those charges, as well as the molestation charge, were filed in March 2022.

Her attorneys and prosecution also sought out a jury Monday for the trial, which is scheduled to go through July 25.

Police responding to a 911 call to Chelsea Crossland’s home March 24, 2022, found Christian dead. He 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.

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

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 of 20 to 40 years with an advisory sentence of 30 years.