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Columbus Parents charged following Infant Death Investigation

Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at 5:10 PM

Douglas Budd, Courtesy of CPD

COLUMBUS, Ind. – Two Columbus parents face felony charges after the death of a 7-month-old child earlier this year.

On January 29, the Columbus Police Department (CPD) and other first responders were called to the 1600 block of 18th Street after parents found the child not breathing. When officers arrived, they took over providing CPR until other medical personnel arrived.

The child was transported to the hospital but was pronounced dead. 

CPD detectives immediately began investigating the circumstances surrounding the death, working with the Bartholomew County Coroner’s Office and the Bartholomew County Prosecutor’s Office. At the conclusion of the detectives’ investigation, the case was referred to the prosecutor’s office for review. 

The father, Douglas Budd, 54, was formally charged with three counts of neglect of a dependent, one count being a level 5 felony, and two being level 6 felonies.

The mother, Suzie Budd, 28, was formally charged with two counts of neglect of a dependent, both as level 6 felonies. Warrants were issued, and the two were arrested on June 4. 

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