Local News

Bluffton Teen Formally Charged in Toddler’s Death

BLUFFTON, Ind. (WOWO): A Bluffton teen has been formally charged for his alleged part in the death of 3 year old Owen Collins. 

16 year old Zachary Barker has been charged with neglect of a dependent resulting in death, two counts of neglect of a dependent, obstructing justice, altering the scene of death, abusing a corpse, and dealing in methamphetamine with a child present. That's according to the Wells County Prosecutor's Office.

In court Monday, it was revealed that Barker allegedly helped wrap Collins' dead body in plastic wrap and then helped move the body to a wooded area where it was set on fire. Collins died of blunt force trauma to the head in January. 

Zachary Barnes has pleaded guilty to murdering the toddler while the boy's mother, Breanna Arnold, is facing similar charges that Barker is facing and will be back in court in August.

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