New Palestine, IN – A 35-year-old Indiana man is facing multiple charges after allegedly abusing several children, forcing them to stand in corners for hours until their legs went numb, and threatening to kill them while brandishing a knife. The suspect, identified as Curtis Bordenkircher, has been charged with four counts of neglect of a dependent and two counts of intimidation involving threats of a violent felony.
The Incident: Children Forced to Stand “Until Legs Went Numb”
According to court records from the Hancock County Superior Court, the abuse investigation began in October 2025, when deputies from the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office responded to a home in New Palestine, a small town east of Indianapolis.
The case came to light after one of the children texted their mother for help, prompting law enforcement to intervene. Once deputies arrived on October 15, they uncovered a series of disturbing allegations against Bordenkircher.
One girl told investigators that Bordenkircher beat her with a belt, called her “dumb” and a “disappointment,” and forced her to stand in a corner for so long that her legs went numb. She said he repeatedly yelled at her and made her stand for hours, warning:
“You all are in the corner until your legs are numb. I have no sympathy for you. You stand all night.”
Another child said that he and his siblings were forced to remain in corners for up to six hours at a time and could only sneak away to use the bathroom when Bordenkircher left the house.
Investigation and Evidence Collected
The investigation revealed that Bordenkircher’s behavior often escalated when he was drinking. One child described how he would sit with a tall beer can in his hand and become increasingly aggressive as he consumed more alcohol.
“He drinks so much a day, and then he just gets mad at us — beer after beer after beer,” one of the victims reportedly told investigators.
Another child alleged that Bordenkircher grabbed her by the neck, pushed her against a wall, and threatened to kill her and her siblings. According to the criminal affidavit reviewed by the Greenfield Daily Reporter, the man allegedly told the children:
“If you don’t shut up, I will slaughter you in your sleep,”
while taking out a knife as he made the threat.
The affidavit also notes that the victims genuinely believed he would follow through with his violent promises, creating an environment of fear and psychological trauma inside the home.
Court Proceedings and Charges Filed
Court records show that Bordenkircher was charged this month with four counts of neglect of a dependent involving cruel confinement or abandonment and two counts of intimidation with threats to commit a forcible felony.
He was arrested but later released on a $600 cash bond on November 6, according to court filings. As part of his release conditions, he was required to sign a no-contact order prohibiting him from communicating with the four children involved in the case.
Bordenkircher is scheduled to appear in court for a pretrial conference on December 4, 2025, where prosecutors are expected to present further evidence regarding the alleged abuse.
Statements and Community Reaction
The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that deputies are continuing to investigate the case and that child protective services have been involved to ensure the children’s safety. Authorities have not disclosed the exact relationship between Bordenkircher and the victims, but all minors have since been placed in a safe environment.
Residents of New Palestine, a quiet community east of Indianapolis, expressed shock over the details of the case, calling it one of the worst instances of child abuse they have heard of in recent years.
Child welfare advocates in Indiana emphasized the importance of reporting suspected abuse early, reminding the public that many children remain silent due to fear of retaliation.
Background and Legal Context
Under Indiana law, neglect of a dependent resulting from cruel confinement is a Level 5 felony, carrying a potential prison sentence of one to six years per count. Intimidation with a deadly weapon or threat of a forcible felony can add additional felony penalties, potentially lengthening the sentence if convicted.
Prosecutors say the case demonstrates how psychological and physical abuse often intertwine in prolonged domestic violence situations, where fear is used as a method of control.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
As of now, Bordenkircher remains free on bond under strict supervision. Authorities have confirmed that the victims are receiving counseling and trauma support while the investigation continues.
Prosecutors are expected to present new evidence at the upcoming hearing, including statements from multiple children, text messages, and physical evidence corroborating their accounts of abuse.
The Hancock County Prosecutor’s Office has emphasized its commitment to securing justice for the children, calling the details of the case “deeply disturbing and unacceptable.”
Conclusion
The allegations against Curtis Bordenkircher highlight a pattern of cruelty, intimidation, and prolonged abuse that authorities say left four children terrified and traumatized. As the case proceeds through the Indiana court system, prosecutors and advocates alike are vowing to ensure that those affected receive both justice and support for recovery.
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