Indiana toddler left in coma after boyfriend allegedly exposes him to unregulated 7-OH kratom

Key points

• Auburn police charged 20-year-old Kole Schwarz with neglect of a dependent resulting in catastrophic injury after a 2-year-old boy suffered severe brain damage.
• The child was found unresponsive on September 6, placed in a medically induced coma, and later transferred to Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis.
• Schwarz admitted to buying 7-OH tablets under the counter from a contact in Fort Wayne, claiming they remained sealed in his pocket, though the child had an unknown green substance around his mouth.
• The child’s mother cooperated with investigators and is not a suspect; she reported concerns that Schwarz had used 7-OH and feared the toddler may have ingested it.
• The FDA has issued warnings regarding the 'concerning proliferation' of concentrated 7-OH products sold over the counter and online, citing risks of seizures, liver toxicity, and overdose.

Background

This incident follows earlier reports from late October 2026 detailing the same case, highlighting the ongoing legal and medical aftermath for the family. The toddler’s grandmother, Josie Casebere, has spoken publicly about the six-week hospital stay and the uncertainty of the child’s future mobility, noting that he has a wheelchair order that may last until age six. The case underscores broader concerns about the accessibility of unregulated kratom products in the region.

Why it matters

This case highlights the severe risks associated with unregulated 7-OH products, which are illegal in Indiana but available in neighboring states like Michigan. The FDA has called for immediate regulatory action to limit access to these substances, which are often marketed to young people as energy boosters or pain relievers. The incident serves as a stark example of how these products can cause catastrophic harm, particularly to children, and underscores the need for stricter enforcement and public education.

What to watch

Kole Schwarz faces criminal charges for neglect resulting in catastrophic injury. The child’s family is continuing to advocate for awareness and regulation of 7-OH products. The FDA is expected to pursue further regulatory actions to limit the availability of 7-OH-containing products, while Michigan health officials monitor rising kratom-related hospitalizations.