Novaleigh Galloway, a 3-year-old girl, was found dead on Dec. 23 in a Higginsville, Missouri motel room. Her father, Kyle Galloway, and his girlfriend, Deanna Hankins, were charged with child abuse, first-degree endangering the welfare of a child and possession of a controlled substance after officers reported signs of physical abuse and drugs in the room. According to a probable cause statement, investigators say the child had black eyes and ligature marks and that Hankins alleged Galloway kicked the child in the head. Family members have set up a GoFundMe and an obituary remembers Novaleigh as a joyful little girl.
3-Year-Old Found Dead in Missouri Motel; Father and Girlfriend Charged With Child Abuse and Drug Offenses
GofundmeNovaleigh Galloway
A 3-year-old girl identified by family as Novaleigh Galloway was found dead on Dec. 23 in a motel room in Higginsville, Missouri. Authorities have charged her father, Kyle Galloway, and his girlfriend, Deanna Hankins, in connection with the death.
Allegations and Charges
According to a probable cause statement obtained by investigators, law enforcement officers discovered the child inside the Classic Motel with injuries that included black eyes and ligature marks around her wrists and feet. Police allege those marks and other signs suggested the child had been physically abused prior to her death.
Online court records show Kyle Galloway and Deanna Hankins face counts of abuse or neglect of a child, first-degree endangering the welfare of a child and possession of a controlled substance. Officers also reported finding methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia inside the motel room.
Lafayette County Sheriff's OfficeKyle Galloway and Deanne Kay Hankins
Statements Reported to Police
The probable cause statement quotes Galloway as telling investigators the child had been bound with zip-ties and partially restrained because of what he described as her "behavioral issues." Both Galloway and Hankins are reported to have acknowledged using corporal punishment: Galloway reportedly said he disciplined his daughter with swats to the body and smacks to the mouth, and Hankins reportedly admitted to similar physical discipline.
Hankins allegedly told investigators that, while attempting to sleep, she repeatedly tried to get Novaleigh to go to bed but the child kept behaving in a way she described as "bad behavior." The statement alleges Hankins said Galloway then became upset and kicked Novaleigh in the head with his foot. Officers say Hankins later found the child unresponsive and called 911. The statement also reports that Hankins said Galloway commented, "Oh, that might have been a little hard," after the kick.
Family Response and Remembrances
“This is a very tragic time for my daughter and our family and would love to give her the service she deserves,” reads a GoFundMe started by family members. “Nova was such a happy and wonderful little girl, and she will always be so loved and missed by so many. I love u Nova so much and will always keep you in my heart and soul babygirl.”
An online obituary described Novaleigh as "born with a bright spirit and a loving smile," noting she enjoyed being outdoors, playing the harmonica and drinking sweet tea.
Legal Status
It was not immediately clear whether Galloway or Hankins have entered pleas or retained attorneys to speak on their behalf. All allegations are drawn from the probable cause statement and public records; no convictions have been reported at this time.
