Indiana teen convicted of raping non-verbal boy with autism on school bus

Prosecutors said surveillance video showed a 16-year-old raping a non-verbal 7-year-old with autism on a Jennings County school bus, and a jury convicted the teen on all counts on April 2. The boy's family has filed a lawsuit against the school corporation and two staff members; the next legal steps are undetermined at this time.

A 16-year-old Indiana student, Landon Doty, was convicted in connection with alleged sexual acts against a non-verbal 7-year-old boy with autism on a school bus. Prosecutors said school bus surveillance video showed the incidents and the case was tried in adult court. Doty disputed the allegations at trial and described his actions as "calming techniques," according to reporting. The child's family has filed a civil lawsuit against the Jennings County School Corporation and two staff members. Case details: - Prosecutors reported that surveillance footage on a Jennings County school bus showed the accused engaging in sexual acts with the non-verbal 7-year-old. - A jury found the 16-year-old defendant guilty on all counts, including rape, child molestation, sexual battery, criminal confinement and public indecency. - A bus monitor intervened on April 17, 2025, after seeing the child pushed from the defendant’s lap and requested review of the bus footage. - The boy’s family has filed a civil lawsuit naming the school corporation, a bus driver and a bus monitor. Summary: The conviction concludes the criminal trial with guilty verdicts on multiple counts and has prompted a civil lawsuit by the boy’s family. Undetermined at this time.