SLC couple charged with child abuse after pediatrician reports injuries, failure to thrive

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — A Salt Lake City couple has been charged with child abuse after a pediatrician allegedly reported injuries and malnourishment during a doctor’s visit.

Justus Robert Olsen, 26, and Cheyenne Mika Hokulani Olsen, 30, have both been charged with second-degree felony aggravated child abuse, intentionally or knowingly. Justus Olsen is also facing a charge of Class A misdemeanor child abuse, intentionally or knowingly.

According to documents, on June 2, 2025, a Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD) detective received a child abuse and neglect report that outlined two visits to a pediatrician that were found concerning. The child’s exact age is not identified.

In October 2024, a pediatrician reported that a child patient was unable to maintain weight and made a “failure to thrive” report. The child did not see the pediatrician again until May 30, 2025. During that appointment, the doctor saw that the child had bruising on the face, thigh, and lower back, as well as bleeding between the toes.

The pediatrician referred them to the emergency room and reported the injuries to the Utah Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS).

That same day, May 30, a DCFS case worker visited the Olsens’ residence regarding the injuries that the child sustained. Justus Olsen described the injuries as coming from the child’s crib and said that the family had genetic disorders that caused them to bruise easily. He also allegedly told the case worker that the child was fed a lot, but could not gain weight.

On May 31, the next day, the child was taken to Safe and Health Families, and their injuries were evaluated. The doctor located a fracture on the child’s left humerus and ulna (upper and lower arm bones), bruising on their cheek, thigh, and lower back. The doctor stated these bruises are consistent with inflicted trauma.

During the evaluation, the doctor also determined that the child’s weight was most likely due to an absence of food or not receiving enough food. While at the Primary Children’s Hospital, the child began gaining weight.

A family member of Justus Olsen told police that she was concerned about the child’s weight and had worried about the child. She expressed concern that Justus and Cheyenne Olsen were “too strict,” and she had previously observed bruises on the child. The family member also stated that she was the only one who purchased formula and diapers for the child.

After Justus Olsen was told to take the child to the emergency room on May 30, he did not take the child. The family member stated that she had offered to take the child instead due to her concern after the appointment with the pediatrician. Justus Olsen allegedly declined the offer, and later told police he didn’t go because that family member was his ride and couldn’t take them.

A family friend told police that she had observed bruises on the child before, and that they had been becoming more frequent. She also said that while babysitting, the child took a bottle and two applesauce packets, consuming them all without issue. According to documents, the family friend showed police photos where the child had bruises.

In speaking with Cheyenne Olsen, she allegedly told SLCPD detectives that Justus Olsen was the primary caregiver and a stay-at-home parent. Facebook Messenger conversations between the Olsens revealed concerning messages.

In the messages, Justus Olsen allegedly said that he was going to “hit their other child for shoving food in [the child’s] crib,” and had locked the other child in their room. He called himself the “warden” for his disciplinary action.

Also among the conversations on Facebook Messenger, Cheyenne Olsen expressed disappointment about Justus Olsen’s “constant lying and neglect of [the child’s] needs,” according to documents. She called him “lazy and neglectful” for the past six months.

While the child was receiving treatment in the hospital, Cheyenne Olsen allegedly sent a message to Justus Olsen, asking if he needed to “pack and dip” and flee the state.

A warrant was issued for Justus Olsen’s arrest on July 18, and he was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on July 25, posting bond shortly after. Justus Olsen has an initial appearance scheduled for Aug. 11, and Cheyenne Olsen has an initial appearance on Aug. 18.