Kyle Galloway and Deanna Hankins face felony charges including child abuse or neglect, first-degree endangering a child’s welfare, and possession of a controlled substance after 3-year-old Novaleigh Galloway was found dead in a Higginsville, Missouri motel room on December 23, 2025. Police noted ligature marks on her wrists and ankles from zip ties, plus black eyes indicating prior physical abuse. Both suspects admitted to striking the child repeatedly for “behavioral issues,” with Hankins alleging Galloway kicked Novaleigh in the head that night, after which she became unresponsive.​
Charges and Arrest Details
Prosecutors filed the charges in Lafayette County Circuit Court on December 29, 2025; both remain in jail without bail. Officers found methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in the room, which Hankins claimed as hers from a relapse. Neither has entered a plea or obtained public legal representation per available records.​
Abuse Allegations
Galloway reportedly restrained Novaleigh with zip ties that morning and “disciplined” her by swatting her body and smacking her mouth. Hankins admitted similar actions, including hitting the child’s head, and described Galloway’s kick as possibly “a little hard.” The pair placed her in bed without checking injuries before discovering her unresponsiveness.​
Family and Victim Background
Novaleigh, Galloway’s daughter, had a biological mother, Americus Perkins, who lost recent contact despite visitation rights. A GoFundMe and obituary describe her as joyful, loving outdoors, harmonica, and sweet tea. No autopsy results or official cause of death have been publicly released.​
