Indiana Dad Accused of Biting Kids Who Wouldn't Give Up Ball at Birthday Party

An Indiana father is facing charges after police say he bit children during a basketball game at his own child's birthday party. Thomas Russell, 39, is accused of biting two kids who wouldn't give up the ball and punching another child in the groin, according to court records and local news reports.

Russell has denied biting anyone, and his case is now making its way through the courts in Washington County.

What Police Say Happened at the Party

The alleged incident happened on Saturday, Nov. 7, at a park in Washington County in southern Indiana, where Russell had rented a cabin for his child's birthday party, according to Globe.

During the party, Russell allegedly played basketball with several of the children and declared that "biting is allowed" as one of the game's rules.

Two children told police that Russell bit them after they fell while holding the ball and refused to let him take it, according to People.

A 9-year-old boy was left with a large bite mark on his back, and a 10-year-old had a bite mark on his wrist, according to Globe.

Another 9-year-old boy told police that Russell punched him in the groin while the two were leg wrestling inside the cabin during the party.

Other children who attended the party told investigators they saw Russell bite and punch other boys, according to Globe.

A Mom's Discovery Sparked the Investigation

The case came to light after a mother found a bite mark on her 9-year-old son's back, according to Louisville TV station WHAS, as reported by People. That discovery led to a police investigation. Police then spoke with several of the children who had been at the party, who described what they said happened during the basketball game and inside the cabin.

Russell was arrested the next day, Sunday, Nov. 8.

When officers spoke with him at the scene, Russell said he had played basketball with the kids, but he denied biting anyone, according to his arrest citation as reported by WHAS.

Charges, Bond and Court Dates

Russell is charged with three counts of battery resulting in injury to a person under 14, according to Indiana court records.

A judge entered a not guilty plea on his behalf, Louisville TV station WDRB reported. The judge did not hold back in court. "I mean, this is very abhorrent behavior," the judge said, according to WDRB.

Bond was set at $30,000, and Russell is being held on that amount, according to Globe.

Court records also order Russell to "not attend any sporting events in which the victims are participating in." That means Russell cannot show up at games where the children who accused him are playing while the case moves forward.

Russell is due back in court on Dec. 10, and a jury trial is scheduled for March 2, 2027.

What Comes Next in the Case

The allegations against Russell have not been proven in court, and he is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty.

The children involved have not been publicly identified, and authorities have not released details about the extent of their injuries beyond the bite marks described in court records.

It is also not clear how many children attended the party or how Russell is connected to the children who say they were hurt, other than that they were guests at his child's celebration.

Russell's next court appearance on Dec. 10 will be the next step in the case as it heads toward a jury trial in the spring.

Curious for more stories that keep you informed and entertained? From the latest headlines to everyday insights, YourLifeBuzz has more to explore. Dive into what’s next.