FOLLOW US

An Ohio father has been charged with murder in connection with the death of his 23-day-old daughter, Naomi Evans, after prosecutors said the infant suffered fatal head injuries while alone with him at the family's Cincinnati home. 

Cincinnati police were called to a Kennedy Heights residence on Sept. 5 after receiving a report of an unresponsive child. Naomi was transported by Cincinnati Fire Department personnel to Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, where she died from her injuries the following day.

Father Faces 11 Charges

Christopher Evans, 35, was indicted Sept. 18 on 11 counts, including aggravated murder, three counts of murder, felonious assault and six counts of child endangering.

According to the criminal complaint cited by local news outlets, investigators allege that the infant suffered massive head trauma resulting in a skull fracture and bleeding on the brain. The investigation remains ongoing.

Investigation Into Naomi Evans' Death

Police arrested Evans on Sept. 10. He was initially charged with murder, felonious assault and child endangerment before the case was presented to a Hamilton County grand jury.

Prosecutors allege that Evans was alone with Naomi while her mother was elsewhere in the home doing laundry. Authorities have said medical records, interviews with police and hospital personnel, and findings from the Hamilton County Coroner's Office contributed to the investigation.

Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich said the allegations were particularly serious because of Naomi's age.

"This baby was just 23 days old," Pillich said in a statement. "She should have been safe in the care of this man."

Evans faces up to life in prison if convicted of the current charges. An indictment, however, is an accusation, and Evans is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Previous Conviction Involving Another Infant

The case has drawn additional attention because Evans previously was convicted in a child-abuse case involving his newborn son.

Court records reviewed by local news organizations show that in October 2015, Evans was alone with his approximately 3-week-old son while the child's mother was away. The infant subsequently suffered serious injuries, including brain trauma and fractures.

According to records from the earlier case, Evans told investigators that he had become frustrated while caring for the infant and admitted throwing the baby onto a wooden changing table. A jury later convicted him of felonious assault and child endangering, and he was sentenced to three years in prison.

An Ohio appeals court upheld that conviction and sentence. Evans was released early from prison and subsequently remained under community control until June 2024, according to records cited by local reporting.

Prosecutors in the current case have pointed to similarities between the two incidents, while Evans' defense attorney has raised questions about the medical science involved in diagnosing certain forms of infant injury. Those arguments will be addressed through the court proceedings.

Case Remains Under Investigation

Evans is being held at the Hamilton County Justice Center as the criminal case moves forward. Authorities have asked anyone with information about Naomi's death to contact the Cincinnati Police Department's Homicide Unit.

The case illustrates the importance of distinguishing allegations from established facts as the legal process continues. Prosecutors must prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt, while Evans retains the presumption of innocence.

The Hamilton County Prosecutor's Office has released information about the indictment, while the Cincinnati Police Department has provided details about the initial investigation.

Additional coverage is available from FOX19 Cincinnati and WLWT.

USA Herald Coverage by Jackie Allen

Jackie Allen has covered a number of high-profile criminal investigations and child-murder cases for the USA Herald.

Her reporting includes “Texas Murder: Thousands Attend Candlelight Memorial for Athena Strand,” about the community response following the death of 7-year-old Athena Strand.

Allen also reported on the legal aftermath in “Athena Strand Mother Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit, Sues FedEx, Topspin and Accused Killer.”

Her recent criminal-justice reporting includes “Lululemon Murder: Brutal Killing of Jayna Murray Became a Landmark Forensic Investigation,” and “Aniah Blanchard Case Ends With Life Sentence for Alabama Man Convicted of Kidnapping and Murder.”.

Child Abuse Resources

Anyone who suspects that a child is being abused or neglected can contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453. The service is free and confidential and operates 24 hours a day.

Additional Information

• Hamilton County Prosecutor's Office
• Cincinnati Police Department
• FOX19 Cincinnati coverage
• WLWT coverage