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Cincinnati police arrested Christopher Evans, 34, after his 24-day-old daughter, Naomi Evans, died from injuries at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Police said officers responded to a Kennedy Heights residence Sept. 5 after receiving a report of an unresponsive child. Evans faces murder, felonious assault and child endangerment charges, and the homicide investigation remains ongoing.
The Cincinnati police are investigating the death of a 24-day-old baby girl who died from injuries at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.
The infant’s death led police to arrest the baby’s father, Christopher Evans, 34, who faces murder, felonious assault and child endangerment charges.
Police said officers responded Saturday, Sept. 5, to the 6000 block of Red Bank Road in Cincinnati’s Kennedy Heights neighborhood after receiving a report of an unresponsive child.
Officers found the infant and arranged for her transport to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.
The child was identified as Naomi Evans, according to WCPO.
Police said Naomi died Sunday, Sept. 6, from her injuries. Authorities have not publicly disclosed what injuries the baby suffered.
The Cincinnati Police Department’s Homicide Unit continued investigating the case after Naomi’s death. Detectives arrested Christopher Evans on Thursday, Sept. 10, in connection with the child’s death, according to police.
Infant’s death prompts homicide investigation
Consequently, the police have charged Evans with three offenses related to the infant death: murder, felonious assault and child endangerment.
Evans was being held at the Hamilton County Justice Center following his arrest, according to WCPO.
As of writing, since the investigation is ongoing, the police have not released yet a detailed account of what investigators believe happened inside the Red Bank Road residence.
The lack of publicly released injury details leaves key questions about the circumstances of Naomi’s death unanswered, but Cincinnati police said the homicide investigation remains active.
According to WCPO, investigators are asking anyone with information about Naomi’s death to contact the department’s Homicide Unit at 513-352-3542.
Infant death follows Evans’ earlier child-abuse conviction
WXIX/Gray News reported that Evans previously faced criminal charges involving another infant.
According to the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office, Evans was 25 when he was convicted in 2017 of felonious assault and child endangering after an incident involving his 3-week-old son in 2015.
The prosecutor’s office reported that Evans was alone with his son while the child’s mother went to a store to purchase medicine. The baby began crying, and Evans said he became frustrated while attempting to calm him.
According to the prosecutor’s account, Evans forcefully bounced the infant and later threw him onto a changing table. The child suffered serious injuries, including bleeding in the brain, brain contusions, retinal hemorrhages and multiple leg fractures.
“Testing revealed the infant had subdural bleeding, a brain injury, retinal hemorrhages and fractures in his legs. Treating physicians suspected child abuse and the local authorities were notified,” court records show, WXIX reported.
A Warren County jury convicted Evans of felonious assault and child endangering in January 2017. The prosecutor’s office said he received a three-year prison sentence.
Furthermore, the news agency also reported that Evans was released from prison early and completed supervised probation in June 2024, about two years before Naomi’s death.
The earlier conviction does not establish what happened in the current case. However, the prior case is part of the publicly reported court history involving Evans and an infant.
Police continue investigating Naomi’s death
The current investigation remains active, and authorities have not released all of the evidence behind the charges.
Cincinnati police have not announced whether additional charges are possible. They also have not publicly identified a motive or described how Naomi sustained her fatal injuries.
According to WCPO, investigators are seeking information from anyone who may have knowledge of Naomi’s death.
People with information can contact the Cincinnati Police Homicide Unit at 513-352-3542.
The case is expected to move forward in Hamilton County court following Evans’ arrest.
Because the investigation remains ongoing, additional details could emerge as detectives review medical evidence, interview witnesses and present the case in court.
The Warren County Prosecutor’s Office records also provide information about Evans’ previous conviction involving his son.
FAQs
Who was arrested in the Cincinnati infant death case?
Cincinnati police arrested 34-year-old Christopher Evans, the father of 24-day-old Naomi Evans. He faces murder, felonious assault and child endangerment charges.
When did the infant die?
Police said Naomi Evans died Sunday, Sept. 6, after being taken to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. She had been transported there after officers responded to a report of an unresponsive child on Sept. 5.
Where did the police respond?
Officers responded to the 6000 block of Red Bank Road in the Kennedy Heights neighborhood. Police said they received a report of an unresponsive child at the location.
What is known about the injuries?
Police have confirmed that Naomi died from injuries but have not publicly specified what those injuries were. The homicide investigation remains ongoing, and additional details may be released as the case develops.
