2-year-old killed by blunt force trauma, dad's live-in girlfriend accused of murder

A 2-year-old Indiana girl died after being rushed to the hospital, and police say her father’s girlfriend has been charged with murder.

Around midnight Sept. 14, the Washington County Sheriff’s Department responded to a 911 call reporting an unresponsive child, the Indiana State Police said.

The child was immediately taken to St. Vincent’s Hospital by medical personnel after they arrived, state police said.

After arriving at the hospital, 2-year-old Misty Ann Lynn McDowell was pronounced dead by the county coroner, officials said.

An investigation began and a search warrant was obtained to search the residence as police spoke with 30-year-old Sarah Marie Bierly, the live-in girlfriend of the girl’s father, as well as other family members at the scene, according to authorities.

At the time, Bierly was arrested and charged with neglect of a dependent causing death, police said.

The autopsy was completed and determined the cause of death was homicide – multiple blunt force injuries, police said.

Police did not detail how the child allegedly sustained the injuries.

After the investigation and the findings in the case, the Washington County Prosecutor added charges of murder and aggravated battery resulting in death to Bierly, according to the Indiana State Police.

In a press release from the Indiana State Police, Washington County Prosecutor Dustin Houchin said, "This case will require our best. Thankfully, our office has the experience, training, and determination necessary to meet this moment. We will see that justice is served in this case."