Girl, 3, Was Allegedly Kicked in Head and Bound Before Being Found Dead in Motel Room

A 3-year-old Missouri girl was found dead in a motel room just days before Christmas, and authorities have charged her father and his girlfriend in connection with the case.

Kyle Galloway and Deanna Hankins face charges of abuse or neglect of a child, first-degree endangering the welfare of a child, and possession of a controlled substance, according to online court records.

Police were called to the Classic Motel in Higginsville on Tuesday, Dec. 23, where they found the child — identified by family members as Novaleigh Galloway — unresponsive.

According to a probable cause statement, officers observed that the girl had black eyes and ligature marks around her wrists and feet, signs they said suggested she may have been physically abused prior to her death.

Investigators say Galloway told police that his daughter had been bound with zip ties and partially restrained because of what he described as “behavioral issues.” He also allegedly told officers that he witnessed Hankins physically disciplining the child and described the punishment as excessive due to the amount of force used and the noise involved.

Galloway further told authorities that he disciplined his daughter by swatting her body and smacking her mouth to “correct her behavior.” Police say Hankins admitted to similar actions during questioning.

In the statement, Hankins alleged that during the night, Galloway became angry and kicked the child in the head while they were trying to get her to sleep.

“During the night, as they were attempting to go to sleep, [Hankins] stated she attempted several times to get [Novaleigh] to go to sleep but [Novaleigh] failed to do so as she continued her ‘bad behavior,’” the statement reads. “[Hankins] stated [Galloway] got upset and ultimately kicked Novaleigh in the head with his foot.”

Investigators allege that after the incident, Galloway remarked, “Oh, that might have been a little hard.”

Hankins later told police she found the child unresponsive and called 911.

A GoFundMe created for the family describes Novaleigh as a joyful and loving child. “Nova was such a happy and wonderful little girl, and she will always be so loved and missed by so many,” the page reads. “I love u Nova so much and will always keep you in my heart and soul babygirl.”

An online obituary states that Novaleigh was “born with a bright spirit and a loving smile.”

“Novaleigh brought joy and laughter to everyone around her,” the obituary says. “Even though her time with us was short, she touched countless lives with her curious nature and gentle kindness. She loved to be outside and play the harmonica. She really enjoyed sweet tea. She was just a perfect little angel.”

Police also reported discovering methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia inside the motel room.

It remains unclear whether Galloway or Hankins have entered pleas or retained attorneys to speak on their behalf.