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.
-
Carmel launches investigation into actions surrounding Christkindlmarkt
Tensions are rising in Carmel as city leaders launch an investigation into the reasoning behind four leaders resigning from their roles within the Christkindlmarkt over the span of a few months.
Nets, trash cans and landscaping: Here's how the city would spend $2M for parks
A $2 million proposal would allow the city to better maintain its parks, an issue that's been affecting parks across Indianapolis.
Kokomo man found not guilty in murder of Karena McClerkin, missing since 2016
The man accused of murdering Karena McClerkin, who was just 18 years old when she was reported missing in October 2016, has been found not guilty.
Robert Francis Prevost elected first American pope, takes name Pope Leo XIV
White smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney on Thursday, signaling that a new pope has been elected.
