Full Notification

Second Update-Autopsy Completed

Clark County-This morning, an autopsy was completed by the Kentucky Medical Examiner’s Office in Louisville, KY on the body of four year old Hayden Dukes. A preliminary cause of death was not determined. The official cause of death will not be determined until toxicology and other test results have returned which typically take up to six weeks.

The preliminary autopsy results along with pending test results will be given to the Clark County Prosecutor’s Office. These reports will supplement the investigative reports already submitted to the prosecutor’s office to assist in determining if additional charges will be filed against Christopher Bruck, Hayden Dukes father.

All further inquiries in reference to this case should be directed to the Clark County Prosecutor’s Office.

On January 8, 2015, Hayden Dukes, four years old of 22416 Campbell Street in Underwood, IN, (rural Clark County) passed away. Hayden was in Kosair Children’s Hospital in Louisville, KY after allegedly being battered by his father, Christopher A. Bruck. The Aggravated Battery and Neglect of a Dependent case against Christopher A. Bruck has now officially turned into a Death Investigation case.

On January 3, 2015, Detective Raichel Abbott and Detective David Mitchell from the Indiana State Police Post at Sellersburg were sent to the Kosair Children’s Hospital in Louisville, KY to investigate serious and suspicious injuries to a four year old male child from 22416 Campbell Street in Underwood, IN, (rural Clark County). The child had been transferred to Kosair Children’s Hospital in Louisville, KY from the Scott County Hospital located in Scott County, IN. A doctor at the Scott County Hospital contacted the Indiana State Police after seeing the child and suspecting possible injuries from child abuse.

While at the Kosair Children’s Hospital, Detective’s Abbott and Mitchell interviewed the father of the child, Christopher A. Bruck, 27, from the above mentioned address in Clark County. While talking to Christopher Bruck it was learned that he became upset at the four year old child and struck him. Later that same afternoon Scott County E.M.S. was called to the address in Underwood and transported the child to the Scott County Hospital for treatment.

After speaking to Christopher A. Bruck, he was transported back to Indiana where he was arrested and incarcerated at the Clark County Jail. He was charged with Aggravated Battery, Level 3 Felony and Neglect of Dependent Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, Level 3 Felony.

A photo of Christopher A. Bruck can be obtained by contacting the Clark County jail.

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Sgt. Jerry D. Goodin

All Subjects are Innocent until and unless Proven Guilty in a Court of Law