Terre Haute Police investigate further into Russell case

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - After a child abuse case that was deemed the worst case ever seen, a local police agency is investigating further into how the case was handled by all parties involved.

Terre Haute Police leaders are reviewing how officers handled the Larry and Nikki Russell abuse case that involved the extreme abuse of foster children.

The Russells were charged with restraining their children to beds and depriving them of food and water.

In May, Police responded to the Russell’s home for a Domestic Battery call.

The children were home when THP arrived, and the Department of Child Services said Police had not contacted them.

“There were no signs of them being in danger,” started Terre Haute Police Chief John Plasse.  “We arrested the guy for Battery and took the gun out of the house.  There was no danger in our eyes at that house.”

Police said if they felt the children were in an danger during that visit, the THPD would have taken action.

But, Child Protective Services is also required to make routine checks on adopted children. 

News 10 will continue to follow this story as it develops, and bring you the latest when it’s made available.