Ohio Father Indicted in Death of 23-Day-Old Daughter; Previously Convicted in Similar Case

Christopher Evans, 34, has been indicted on multiple criminal counts following the death of his 23-day-old daughter, Naomi Evans, officials said. Prosecutors say Naomi suffered catastrophic head injuries while home with her father and died at Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center on Sept. 6.

According to a criminal complaint and statements from law enforcement and medical personnel, Naomi was found unresponsive at about 8:45 p.m. on Sept. 5 in the family’s Kennedy Heights home. She was transported by the Cincinnati Fire Department to the hospital and died the following day. The Hamilton County Coroner’s Office reported that Naomi sustained massive head trauma, including a skull fracture and bleeding to the brain.

Christopher Evans' mug shotCredit: Cincinnati Police Department

Charges and Background

On Sept. 10 the Cincinnati Police Department’s Homicide Unit arrested Evans. On Sept. 18 the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office announced an 11-count indictment: one count of aggravated murder, three counts of murder, one count of felonious assault and six counts of child endangering. If convicted, Evans faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Prosecutors said the case is built on medical records, hospital staff accounts, police interviews and the coroner’s findings. Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich said in a statement, "This baby was just 23 days old. She should have been safe in the care of this man. The allegations in this case are horrific. We will do everything possible to make sure Christopher Evans never has an opportunity to harm another baby."

Christopher Evans in 2017Credit: Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction

Prior Conviction

Authorities also noted that Evans was previously convicted in 2015 on child endangerment and felonious assault charges for causing serious injuries to another three-week-old infant. That earlier conviction was cited by prosecutors when announcing the new indictment.

Investigation Status and Resources

The CPD Homicide Unit continues to investigate Naomi’s death. It was not immediately clear whether Evans has retained legal counsel. Anyone who suspects child abuse or needs help can contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) or visit www.childhelp.org. The hotline is toll-free, confidential and available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

Note: This report summarizes allegations and an indictment. An indictment is not a conviction; the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.