An Indiana teenager has been arrested after allegedly threatening to murder a pregnant woman during an Instagram Live video. The young man, 18, reportedly made the threats while holding a gun up to his face, telling the woman, “I don’t give if your baby dies or not.” Authorities say the incident stemmed from an ongoing dispute between the woman and a friend of the suspect, who is believed to be the father of the unborn child.
The suspect was taken into custody on Thursday morning and booked on one count of forcible felony intimidation. Court records indicate that he turned 18 just a day before the arrest.
The woman, who is 12 weeks pregnant, was reportedly in a heated argument with the suspect’s friend before the threats were made. Investigators say the suspect then took to Instagram Live to issue violent statements, including a direct threat to end both the woman’s life and that of the unborn child.
“I’ll kill that baby too,” he allegedly said during the live stream.
When questioned by police, the suspect initially denied making any threats. However, officers noted that he later shifted his stance, asking why they would expect him to stay silent after being threatened himself. According to the arrest report, one officer responded to his question by stating that his words in the video gave them every reason to believe he was capable of carrying out the threats.
Eventually, the suspect admitted to making the statements but insisted he had no actual intention of harming the woman or her child. Despite his claims, law enforcement officials took the threats seriously, citing the nature of the comments and the presence of a firearm in the video.
Authorities say the primary conflict was between the woman and the baby’s father, but the suspect chose to involve himself in the dispute, escalating the situation with violent rhetoric. His video reportedly circulated online, prompting alarm and an investigation.
After his arrest, he was booked into the county jail before being released on a $5,000 bond. He is now awaiting his first court appearance, where he will face the felony charge.
The case has drawn attention due to its disturbing nature, particularly because the threats involved an unborn child. Law enforcement officials emphasize that violent threats, even when made online, are taken seriously and can result in felony charges.
While the suspect now claims his words were not meant to be taken literally, prosecutors may argue that such statements, especially when made publicly with a firearm in view, constitute a credible threat. The legal system generally does not require proof that a suspect intended to carry out a threat only that the threat was made in a manner that could cause the victim to fear for their safety.
This case is also reflective of the broader issue of online threats and social media-fueled conflicts escalating into real-world legal consequences. The use of social media platforms to issue violent statements can lead to serious charges, and law enforcement agencies increasingly monitor such behavior.
The suspect’s future in the legal system remains uncertain, but a felony intimidation charge can carry significant penalties, including potential jail time and a permanent criminal record. Legal experts say that if convicted, he could face severe repercussions, as courts tend to take threats against pregnant women particularly seriously.
As the case progresses, more details may emerge regarding the nature of the conflict and whether additional charges could be filed. For now, the suspect is free on bond, but his social media actions have led to serious legal trouble.
