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.
-
Could access to psilocybin as a treatment for PTSD help veterans?
Lisa Wilken has been advocating for veterans since 2009. She says many veterans are looking for alternative mental health therapies.
Bloomington grant program aiming to improve bicyclist and pedestrian safety
The Local Motion Grant Program supports community projects that improve walking and bicycling infrastructure in Bloomington.
Events and organizations across Indianapolis honor veterans on Veterans Day
Employees at Volunteers of America put together a special lunch for the veterans they serve. The organization works with homeless vets. They help them find housing, jobs and work on mental health.
Man found dead at Planet Fitness in Indianapolis, IMPD investigating
IMPD is investigating after a man's body was found in a Planet Fitness on the south side of Indianapolis.
