An Ohio father, Nicholas Stemen, was sentenced after his 2-year-old daughter, Lillyanna, was found dead inside a burning car on Sept. 24, 2024. Deputies say Stemen appeared intoxicated at the scene and initially denied anyone was in the vehicle. After firefighters extinguished the blaze, investigators discovered the child’s body; Stemen later admitted to heavy drinking and "blacking out." He pleaded guilty to aggravated arson, involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment and received a 22- to 27½-year prison term.
Ohio Father Sentenced to 22–27½ Years After 2-Year-Old Daughter Found Dead in Burning Car
An Ohio father, Nicholas Stemen, was sentenced after his 2-year-old daughter, Lillyanna, was found dead inside a burning car on Sept. 24, 2024. Deputies say Stemen appeared intoxicated at the scene and initially denied anyone was in the vehicle. After firefighters extinguished the blaze, investigators discovered the child’s body; Stemen later admitted to heavy drinking and "blacking out." He pleaded guilty to aggravated arson, involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment and received a 22- to 27½-year prison term.
08:47 AM, 11/20/2025Society
Summary: An Ohio man has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after his 2-year-old daughter was found dead inside a burning vehicle. Authorities say the father was intoxicated at the scene and initially denied anyone was in the car.
What happened
On Sept. 24, 2024, emergency crews responded to reports of a vehicle being driven erratically in American Township, Allen County, Ohio. Deputies arrived to find the car fully engulfed in flames and the driver, 34-year-old Nicholas Stemen, standing outside.
Investigators noted that Stemen appeared intoxicated, with bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and a strong odor of alcohol. Initially he told officers there was no one in the vehicle and later claimed his daughter was with her grandfather. After firefighters extinguished the blaze, they discovered the body of a young child inside the car. Investigators identified the child as 2-year-old Lillyanna Stemen.
Investigation and charges
According to the affidavit, officers observed injuries consistent with a child’s body inside the vehicle. Stemen later admitted to consuming at least 10 alcoholic drinks before the incident and told investigators he had "blacked out." He ultimately pleaded guilty to several counts, including aggravated arson, involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment.
Sentence and aftermath
On Nov. 17, Stemen was sentenced to a minimum of 22 years and a maximum of 27 years and 6 months in prison. The sentence follows his guilty pleas and the fatal outcome of the incident.
Remembering Lillyanna
An online obituary described Lillyanna as a "loving, smart, outgoing, bubbly, and energetic" little girl who loved goldfish crackers, grapes and playing on swings and slides. Family members remembered her hugs as comforting and said she had a way of drawing other children to play with her.
If you suspect child abuse or need help, contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) or visit www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free, confidential and the hotline operates 24/7 in more than 170 languages.