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.
-
Independent Indiana pushes to put more nonpartisan candidates on ballots
Independent Indiana is working to turn down the temperature on political disagreement by getting more independent candidates on the ballot, its leaders say.
B&O Trail nears completion to connect west side to downtown Indianapolis
A 30-year vision to create a continuous path from Hendricks County into the heart of Indianapolis is almost complete as the B&O Trail Association prepares to open its newest expansion.
Franklin Township Community School Corporation supports Google data center
The Franklin Township Community School Corporation has announced support for controversial plans for a Google data center.
Affordable housing complex officially opens on northeast side
A new affordable housing complex is now open on the northeast side, and it comes as the city hopes to continue developing affordable housing projects in the future.
