News Release

GOSHEN — An Elkhart man pleaded guilty but mentally ill Thursday, Dec. 4 in Elkhart County Circuit Court in connection with the death of his 2-year-old son following an 18-hour police standoff last summer.

Ryan D. Snyder

Ryan D. Snyder, admitted to causing the death of his son, Jaxon Snyder, on Monday, July 7 by laying on the child inside the family’s Pendleton Drive home.

Snyder entered guilty but mentally ill pleas to neglect of a dependent as a Level 1 felony, neglect of a dependent as a Level 3 felony, and criminal recklessness as a Level 6 felony. A murder charge was dismissed as part of the agreement.

Sentencing is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 8.

Snyder also acknowledged refusing to cooperate with police during the lengthy standoff, keeping his 5-year-old daughter with him in the basement, and firing at a police drone that was sent into the home.

According to a probable cause affidavit, police were called to the home around 9:06 p.m. on Sunday, July 6 for a welfare check. The children’s mother, Jasmine Edwards, who was out of state, had reported receiving a disturbing video call in which Snyder appeared to be in a mental health crisis and made statements about killing the children and himself.

Officers reported seeing Snyder wearing body armor and carrying a rifle, and gunfire was heard inside the home. Indiana State Police SWAT eventually entered the residence at about 3:34 p.m. on Monday, July 7 and took Snyder into custody.

Jaxon Snyder was found dead in a basement bedroom with multiple bruises. The 5-year-old girl was found alive and hiding.

Court records indicate Snyder underwent psychiatric evaluations and acknowledged understanding the difference between right and wrong at the time of the incident.