Indiana Man Sentenced to 45 Years for Death of 1-Year-Old Found in Dresser Drawer

In a harrowing case that has drawn national attention, 27-year-old Roan Waters of Indiana has pleaded guilty to charges stemming from the 2023 death of 1-year-old Oaklee Snow. The toddler’s decomposed body was discovered hidden in a dresser drawer in an abandoned home in Morgantown, Indiana. Waters was sentenced to 45 years in prison after accepting a plea deal that avoided a murder trial.

Timeline of Events

• January 2023: Madison Marshall, Oaklee’s mother, left Oklahoma with her two children and Waters, without the consent of Oaklee’s biological father.

• February 9, 2023: Marshall reported hearing Waters yelling at Oaklee to bounce on a ball. Later, she found her daughter unresponsive. Attempts to call 911 were allegedly thwarted by Waters, who then wrapped Oaklee’s body in a blanket and placed it in his SUV.

• April 2023: Marshall, in custody, led authorities to the abandoned home where Oaklee’s body was found in a dresser drawer.

Legal Proceedings

Waters faced multiple charges, including murder and neglect. By pleading guilty to one count of neglect of a dependent resulting in death and two counts of neglect of a dependent, he received the maximum sentence for each count, to be served consecutively, totaling 45 years.

Marshall also pleaded guilty to neglect charges and agreed to testify against Waters as part of her plea deal. She faces up to 27 years in prison.

Community Impact

The tragic death of Oaklee Snow has highlighted issues surrounding child abuse and the importance of timely intervention.

This case serves as a somber reminder of the vulnerabilities children face and the collective responsibility to protect them.