Missouri Authorities Arrest Kyle Galloway and Deanne Hankins After Three-Year-Old Daughter Dies from Alleged Abuse at Higginsville Motel

A heartbreaking case has emerged out of Higginsville, Missouri, where a three-year-old girl died under horrific circumstances inside a local motel. Police have arrested Kyle Galloway, 30, and Deanne Kay Hankins, 36, following allegations that the toddler, Novaleigh Galloway, was abused and neglected before her death.

Authorities responded to the Classic Motel on December 23 after receiving an emergency call about a child not breathing. When they arrived, Novaleigh was found unresponsive, and despite efforts, she could not be revived.

Signs of Abuse and Neglect Found by Investigators

Court records reviewed by Fox 4 indicate that Novaleigh bore physical injuries, including marks on her wrists and feet, suggesting she had been restrained. Investigators also reported that she had black eyes, a sign of severe abuse over time.

Inside the motel room, officers discovered drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine, adding to concerns about the child’s environment.

Alleged Confessions Paint a Harrowing Picture

According to court filings, Galloway admitted to restraining Novaleigh with zip ties due to her “behavioral issues” and acknowledged striking her multiple times. Hankins reportedly denied using zip ties but admitted to tying the child down and striking her in the head when she did not obey.

Galloway allegedly described some of the punishments as “excessive” but did nothing to stop them, admitting to repeatedly disciplining Novaleigh throughout the day and night.

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Emotional Abuse Added to Physical Harm

Beyond physical violence, the couple allegedly subjected Novaleigh to verbal abuse, calling her cruel names while striking her. The day ended tragically when, frustrated with her fussiness at bedtime, Galloway allegedly kicked Novaleigh in the back of the head. Hankins reportedly called 911 only after noticing her heavy breathing, by which time it was too late.

Family Speaks Out, Calls for Justice

Novaleigh’s mother, Americus Perkins, explained that Galloway had visitation rights, but she had not seen her daughter in months. Her maternal grandmother, Crystal Boyd, shared on Facebook that the family had been searching for Novaleigh for six to eight months, accusing Galloway and Hankins of hiding her while abusing her.

Boyd created a GoFundMe for Novaleigh’s funeral, which has raised roughly $4,600 so far. She described the little girl as joyful and full of life, fond of the outdoors and playing the harmonica.

Community Demands Action

In the wake of Novaleigh’s death, petitions have emerged calling for the Classic Motel to be closed, citing it as a hotspot for criminal activity. Another petition, “Pass Novaleigh’s Law,” advocates for reforms in Missouri’s child visitation laws, arguing that the current system often waits until children are visibly injured before intervening.

Background on the Accused

Court documents reveal that Kyle Galloway has a lengthy criminal record, including prior charges of child welfare endangerment, domestic assault, burglary, and drug possession. Hankins also has previous arrests for controlled substance possession. Both remain in Lafayette County Jail without bond facing multiple felony charges, including child neglect and endangering the welfare of a child.

Investigation Ongoing

Authorities continue to investigate Novaleigh’s death, and the official cause has not yet been released. State and local officials have been contacted regarding the petitions to close the motel and reform visitation laws. The community, shaken by the tragedy, is calling for stronger safeguards to protect vulnerable children from similar abuse.