Help us relocate Leo’s siblings back home

Leonardo Eslinger

Leonardo Mason Eslinger, a sweet and loving five-year-old who was full of life and known for his amazing laugh, passed away December 31, 2023, surrounded by family, at the New Orleans Children’s Hospital. Leo was tragically killed in what is believed to be a preventable and forewarned situation, forsaken by the legal bureaucracy. Leo was born November 22, 2018, in Evansville, IN, to Joseph Eslinger and Sara (Irons) Eslinger. He enjoyed Pikachu, playing with blocks, and especially loved Chase from Paw Patrol. Leo is survived by his two younger siblings, who are also believed to be victims of the inaction of the bureaucracy. He is also survived by his parents; grandmother, Sherri (Robinson) Eslinger; grandfather, John Eslinger; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Leo's Story

On December 29th, 2023, Sherri, Leo's grandmother, was contacted by Louisiana DCFS with heartbreaking news: Leo had been life-flighted to the Children's Hospital in New Orleans and was on life support with no signs of brain activity. Joseph (Leo's father) and his girlfriend had been arrested for alleged severe abuse. Devastated by the news, Sherri and Kristi (Leo's great-aunt) got on the next flight to New Orleans to be with Leo. After arriving, the family was informed that Leo had three brain bleeds, injuries to his abdomen and more than 50 loop marks on his body. He also appeared to have several bruises, cuts, a puncture wound, burn marks and more. Sadly, Leo was declared dead on December 31, 2023.

Leo's tragic death from abuse raises a wide range of emotions just by itself, but his story becomes infuriating given the whole situation was both forewarned and preventable. A more in-depth (but still far from complete) account of the details is posted on our website for those who wish to know more and why we believe this tragedy represents a failure of Indiana's legal system. There is much more of the story to be told than we have or can currently share but we will continue to update LeosVoice.org with the details as we can.

How donations will be used:

Thanks to all the amazing donations, we were able to bring Leo back to Indiana for a funeral and burial. We are so extremely grateful for everyone that helped make that possible!

Our main priority now is to get guardianship of Leo’s two younger siblings and bring them back home to be in our loving arms again.

Guardianship Update 1: Temporary emergency guardianship was granted in Indiana on 1/19, with another hearing for permanent guardianship scheduled for 1/31.

Guardianship Update 2: Although emergency guardianship was ordered by the court in Indiana, we must still go to the next hearing in [redacted] (1/29) to find out if we will get the children then, or if we will be required to go through the ICPC process, which could take from weeks to months to complete.

Our need for donations continues as the guardianship situation in [redacted] remains. Donations will be used to cover travel expenses to/from [redacted] as well as possible legal fees that may arise if [redacted] ends up requiring the ICPC process.

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The “long term” plan for Leo’s Voice:

We aim to establish an advocacy group dedicated to legislative change, ensuring such tragedies are averted in the future. Leo's ordeal was harrowing – no child should suffer similarly. Implementing straightforward reforms can prevent such occurrences. 

We acted within our legal limits to protect the children, yet existing laws favor parental rights over the safety of potentially endangered children. Leo, unable to advocate for himself, and his aunt and grandmother, found their voices silenced. 

Through our efforts and with your help, Leo’s Voice will be heard!