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.
-
April rain means a slow start to planting season
While a little bit of rain is helpful for plants to grow, too much rain can mean it is difficult to get seeds planted.
I-65 reopens after cleanup from large semi fire in Jasper County
I-65 has reopened after a large semi-truck fire caused significant traffic disruptions yesterday in Jasper County.
Two more cases of measles reported in Indiana
The Indiana Department of Health has reported two additional cases of measles in Allen County, bringing the total number of cases to eight in the ongoing outbreak.
New $12 million nature playground set to open on far east side of Indianapolis
A $12 million Grassy Creek Environmental Community Center and nature playground is set to open on Indy’s far east side on May 20, featuring the largest nature playground in the Indy Parks system.
