SMITHS GROVE (04/23/26) — Two south central Kentucky residents are facing child abuse charges after a multi-state investigation.
Kentucky State Police said they were contacted by Indiana State Police last week after the parents of a two-month-old infant dropped the child off at a family member’s home in Salem, Indiana. The infant’s condition prompted the family member to immediately take them for medical treatment.
An investigation led to arrest warrants to be obtained for Smiths Grove residents Aurora Hamilton, 21, and Benjamin Reale, 18.
The two are charged with first-degree criminal abuse (victim under 12) and endangering the welfare of a minor. They are being held in an Indiana jail while awaiting extradition to Kentucky.
