An Indiana father is facing a felony charge after a disturbing video surfaced that appears to show him physically assaulting his 10-year-old daughter as she cried and begged him to stop. Alexander William “Alex” Donathen, of Royal Center, was arrested in Cass County on October 10 and charged with domestic battery committed in the presence of a child under 16, a Level 6 felony in Indiana. He has not been convicted of any crime.
A video that has spread across social media has put an Indiana family’s private turmoil in front of a national audience, and it has prompted a felony charge against the girl’s father. Alexander William Donathen, who goes by Alex and lives in Royal Center, Indiana, was arrested on October 10 in connection with the footage, according to the arrest information circulating in reports about the case.
What the Video Appears to Show
The video, which appears to have been recorded by a neighbor, captures a frightening confrontation between a man identified as Donathen and a young girl. Throughout the footage, the man can be heard shouting profanities at the child while she cries and screams “No!” The girl can be heard crying through the entire confrontation, and the man appears to throw her, grab her and push her.
The person filming does not appear to physically step in during the footage. Some viewers have questioned why the neighbor kept recording, but a video can be critical evidence for investigators, and it is not unusual for witnesses to document an incident from a distance while deciding how to respond.
It is not clear what led up to the confrontation, or whether any other children were present during the alleged assault. Those questions are likely to be answered as the case moves through the court system.
The Charge Against Donathen
Donathen was arrested in Cass County on a charge of domestic battery committed in the presence of a child under 16. Under Indiana law, it is classified as a Level 6 felony, one of the lowest felony classifications in the state.
A Level 6 felony carries a potential prison sentence of six months to two and a half years, along with a possible fine of up to $10,000. That relatively low classification has drawn questions from people who see the footage as far more serious than the charge suggests.
As with any criminal case, an arrest and a charge are accusations, not findings of guilt. Donathen is presumed innocent unless and until he is convicted in court, and the footage will be evaluated by prosecutors and the court as part of the case, including whether it accurately reflects the conduct the charge describes.
A Child’s Safety at the Center
The allegations have raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of the child. According to reports, the girl is now in the custody of her mother, who is divorced from Donathen. Her identity has not been made public.
In Indiana, anyone who suspects a child is being abused or neglected is required to report it. People who witness or suspect abuse can call the Indiana Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-800-5556, which operates 24 hours a day, or the national Childhelp hotline at 1-800-422-4453. In an emergency, call 911.
What Comes Next
The case now moves into the court process. Prosecutors will decide how to proceed, a court date will be set, and the video is expected to be central to the evidence in the case. Further details, including the court schedule and any statements from Donathen or his attorney, have not yet been made public.
