Indiana Teen Found Guilty of Raping 7-Year-Old on School Bus
In a deeply disturbing case that has shocked the community, a 16-year-old Indiana teenager has been convicted of raping a non-verbal neurodivergent child on a school bus. Landon Doty was found guilty after a two-day jury trial that concluded on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, following a series of assaults that occurred over several weeks when he was 15 years old.
Surveillance Video and Investigation Details
The case came to light after school bus surveillance video reportedly captured multiple instances of Doty allegedly assaulting the 7-year-old victim. Officials first became aware of the incidents on April 17, 2025, when a bus monitor observed Doty pushing the child from his lap. The monitor immediately alerted the bus driver, leading to the separation of the students, and the incident was reported to Jennings County Schools.
Doty was charged as an adult on June 12, 2025, after the evidence was reviewed. Despite his claims that he did not sexually touch the child and was using "calming techniques," and his attorney's argument that neither the bus driver nor the monitor witnessed any sexual acts, the jury found him guilty based on the compelling video evidence and testimonies.
Legal Proceedings and Adult Court Transfer
A filing submitted on June 9, 2025, after Doty was waived to adult court, stated that the teen was "beyond rehabilitation under the juvenile justice system." It emphasized that "it is in the best interest of the safety and welfare of the community" for him to stand trial as an adult. An officer testified that Doty's case is the worst he has ever encountered in his 39-year career as a juvenile probation officer, highlighting the severity of the crimes.
Charges and Sentencing
Landon Doty was found guilty on multiple charges, including:
- Rape
- Child molesting
- Sexual battery
- Criminal confinement of a victim under four years of age
- Public indecency
As of Thursday morning, April 2, 2026, a sentencing date has not yet been scheduled. The conviction underscores ongoing concerns about safety and supervision in school transportation systems, particularly for vulnerable children.
