Russellville woman indicted for manslaughter in drowning death of toddler
RUSSELLVILLE, Ky. – A Russellville woman is facing second-degree manslaughter and tampering with physical evidence charges in relation to the drowning death of a small female child last summer.
According to an indictment filed by the Logan County Circuit Court on Nov. 1, Lindsey N. Dover, 30, of Russellville, is charged with one count of second-degree manslaughter for the drowning death of a 2-year-old on July 10. The indictment states Dover failed to properly supervise the child, which resulted in the child drowning.
Dover also faces one count of tampering with physical evidence. The indictment states Dover deleted over 1,200 text messages from her cellphone between the dates of July 10 and July 26 before authorities could execute a search warrant.
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A release by the Logan County Sheriff’s Office on Nov. 6 states the following:
“After a comprehensive investigation into the tragic death of a 2-year-old child on July 10, 2024, our findings indicate significant information that we believe warrants a detailed review by the grand jury. We have conducted extensive interviews, gathered physical evidence and consulted with medical examiners to ensure a thorough and unbiased examination of the facts. It is our duty to seek justice and ensure accountability, particularly when it comes to the safety and welfare of children. With respect and sensitivity for the family and the community, we presented this case to the grand jury with the hope that they will carefully consider all available evidence. This process is vital in determining whether there is sufficient cause to pursue formal charges. We are committed to transparency and thoroughness in every step of this process, and we appreciate the grand jury role in bringing about a just outcome.”
The release additionally states the 2-year-old child was reported missing at 11:11 a.m. on July 10 by Dover, the child’s babysitter.
The sheriff’s office states deputies were at the scene within six minutes as other emergency services arrived and began a search in a corn field.
The release states the child was located unresponsive in a Koi pond several houses down from Dover’s residence.
First responders performed CPR on the child at the scene before the child was transported to Med Center Health in Russellville. Emergency Room personnel were able stabilize the child, and the child was flown to Vanderbilt Children’s hospital in critical condition. The child later died on the afternoon of July 10. The cause of death was determined to be drowning.
Dover was arrested and later lodged at the Logan County Jail on Tuesday, Nov. 5. She was released on a $5,000 cash bond on the same day.
According to the indictment, Dover faces bond conditions that include not supervising or caring for any children outside of her own, complying with “any DCBS care plan or prevention plan” and “no drugs or alcohol.”
Dover is charged with second-degree manslaughter and tampering with physical evidence.
