CINCINNATI, Ohio — A 24-day-old baby girl died after being rushed to a Cincinnati hospital with severe injuries, and police are now accusing her father of causing the trauma that ultimately killed her.
Christopher Evans, 35, is being held at the Hamilton County Justice Center after authorities arrested him Thursday in connection with the death of his newborn daughter, Naomi Evans.
Police had responded to a 911 call from Evans’ home after receiving a report of an unresponsive child. According to reports, the Cincinnati Fire Department transported Naomi to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital at about 8:45 p.m. on September 5.
The infant died the following day.
The circumstances surrounding the newborn’s injuries quickly raised concerns among investigators, leading authorities to classify her death as suspicious.
Police Allege Baby Suffered Massive Head Trauma
The Hamilton County Coroner’s Office released preliminary findings Tuesday, while investigators continued examining what happened to Naomi.
According to a criminal complaint, Naomi suffered “massive head trauma resulting in a skull fracture and bleeding to the brain.”
Police allege the injuries were caused by physical force at the hands of her father.
Evans has since been charged with murder, felonious assault and endangering children.
The allegations have shocked the community in part because investigators say Evans had previously faced criminal charges involving another newborn child.
Father Had Previous Conviction Involving Newborn Son
Evans was previously convicted of felonious assault and endangering children following a 2015 incident involving his infant son.
According to court documents obtained by a local news outlet, Evans was alone caring for the newborn on October 18, 2015, while his wife was running errands.
Evans reportedly admitted to police that he threw his son onto a changing table. The child suffered subdural bleeding, a brain injury, retinal hemorrhages and fractures in his legs, according to the court records.
When Evans’ wife returned home, the couple reportedly noticed that the infant’s lips and face had turned blue and that the baby was unresponsive.
Investigators later questioned Evans about what happened. He reportedly told detectives that he had been bouncing the baby too hard and described the force as “8 out of 10.” He also told police he became frustrated and upset while changing his son’s diaper.
A jury found Evans guilty in January 2017. He was sentenced to three years in prison, receiving credit for 83 days already served.
GoFundMe Appeared After Baby’s Death
Another detail has drawn attention in the investigation.
A GoFundMe created by someone identifying as Chris Evans was reportedly launched the day after police said Naomi died. The fundraiser sought financial assistance for the newborn’s funeral expenses.
The timing of the fundraiser comes as investigators continue building their case against Naomi’s father.
Authorities have not indicated in the provided information whether Evans personally created the fundraiser or whether the person who started it is the same individual now facing criminal charges.
Evans Faces Murder Case as Investigation Continues
Evans was scheduled to appear in court Friday following his arrest. His next court date has not yet been scheduled.
The latest allegations mark the second time Evans has faced criminal consequences involving injuries to a newborn child, according to the records cited in the report.
For now, the investigation into Naomi’s death remains ongoing. Police have alleged that the baby’s fatal injuries were inflicted through physical force, but the criminal charges remain allegations unless and until proven in court.
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