Girl, 3, Was Allegedly Kicked in Head and Bound Before Being Found Dead in Motel Room By Christine Pelisek

A 3-year-old Missouri girl was found dead in a motel room two days before Christmas — and now, her father and his girlfriend have been charged.

Kyle Galloway and Deanna Hankins are charged with abuse or neglect of a child, first-degree endangering the welfare of a child, and possession of a controlled substance, according to online court records.

This comes after officers found the child, identified by family as Novaleigh Galloway, dead in the Classic Motel in Higginsville on Tuesday, Dec. 23.

Officers claimed that the girl had black eyes and ligature marks around her wrists and feet “indicating possibly that [the victim] was physically abused prior to her death,” according to a probable cause statement obtained by PEOPLE.  

Galloway allegedly told police that his daughter had been bound with zip-ties and partially restrained due to her “behavioral issues,” per the statement.

Galloway alleged to police that he saw Hankins “physically discipline” the girl and described the “’discipline’ as excessive due to the noise and force used,” according to the statement.

He allegedly told officers he also disciplined his daughter by giving her swats on the body and smacking her on the mouth to “correct her behavior” — actions that Hankins also allegedly admitted to while speaking with police.

According to the statement, Hankins claimed to authorities that during the night, Galloway got upset and kicked his daughter in the head.

“During the night, as they were attempting to go to sleep, [Hankins] stated she attempted several times to get [Novaleigh] to go to sleep but [Novaleigh] failed to do so as she continued her ‘bad behavior,'” the statement alleges. “[Hankins] stated [Galloway] got upset and ultimately kicked Novaleigh in the head with his foot.”

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Officers alleged in the statement that Hankins said Galloway commented, “Oh, that might have been a little hard,” after the kick.

Hankins allegedly said she later found the girl unresponsive and called 911.

“This is a very tragic time for my daughter and our family and would love to give her the service she deserves,” a GoFundMe reads. “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.”

According to an online obituary, Novaleigh was “born with a bright spirit and a loving smile.”

“Novaleigh brought joy and laughter to everyone around her. Even though her time with us was short, she touched countless lives with her curious nature and gentle kindness. She loved to be outside and play the harmonica. She really enjoyed sweet tea. She was just a perfect little angel,” the obituary states.

Police discovered meth and drug paraphernalia inside the room, according to the probable cause statement.

It is unclear if Hankins and Galloway have entered pleas or retained attorneys to speak on their behalf.