INDIANAPOLIS — An Indianapolis father has been convicted of the death of his 28-day-old son in 2019.
Michael Gaunt was convicted of aggravated battery and neglect of a dependent resulting in death during a one-day trial on Monday. Both charges are Level 1 felonies.
On Dec. 20, 2019, IMPD officers were dispatched to the 4900 block of Rockville Road on the city’s west side in response to a child not breathing. When officers arrived they found 28-day-old Leo Grant unresponsive.
The infant was taken to an area hospital where he later died on Dec. 23, 2019.
On the same day as the infant's death, the Marion County Coroner found that the baby boy had died as a result of multiple blunt force trauma and ruled the case a homicide.
During the investigation, the child's mother claimed she left the home on the day the child sustained the injuries and when she returned, Gaunt didn't allow her to call for help.
“As a parent, it is unimaginable that an individual could commit a crime on an innocent child. While nothing constitutes this tragic loss of life, this verdict is the first step in holding Mr. Gaunt accountable for his actions,” said Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears in a statement following the conviction.
Gaunt's sentencing hearing is set for Wednesday, May 25 at 2 p.m.
-
University of Indianapolis helps research ways to improve literacy rates
The Department of Education's latest IREAD assessment shows third-grade reading scores made their biggest single-year jump since testing started in 2013.
Police investigating dozens of car break-ins across neighborhoods in Fishers
Fishers police are investigating a rash of vehicle break-ins over the weekend that left dozens of residents with shattered windows and costly repairs.
Boone County commissioners deny RL Turner rezoning request
After months of neighbors pleading with their Boone County commissioners to vote against rezoning farmland, the commissioners made their decision Monday morning.
$750K Green Jobs Initiative to train 100 Indianapolis residents
A new $750,000 workforce development program aims to help residents of Indianapolis’ near east side, southeast side and Martindale-Brightwood neighborhoods gain skills for in-demand green jobs.
