A 36-year-old man from Lincoln, Nebraska, has received a lengthy prison sentence of 65 to 80 years after being convicted of fatal child abuse involving his infant daughter. Ryan Greenwood was found guilty in March of 2025 for inflicting injuries that ultimately led to the death of his four-month-old daughter, Elizabeth Greenwood.
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The case came to light when police were summoned to Greenwood’s residence on 14 August 2025. Ryan Greenwood had dialled 911 to report that Elizabeth had died. At the time, he was at home with his 28-year-old wife, Tanya Greenwood. According to the Lincoln Police Department, Ryan later told officers that he and his daughter had been “playing rough” the day before she died, leading to her distress.
Police reports revealed that Ryan claimed to have given Elizabeth a bottle before putting her to bed, asserting that she appeared to be in good condition. However, when he attempted to wake her the next morning, he discovered she was cold and unresponsive. Following his call to emergency services, he informed his mother before contacting the authorities.
The narrative presented by Tanya Greenwood was markedly different. Upon returning home from grocery shopping, she claimed to have heard her daughter crying in a manner she described as “the worst cry I ever heard.” Tanya asserted her desire to seek help for the baby, but Ryan allegedly discouraged her from doing so.
An autopsy conducted on Elizabeth uncovered the tragic reality of her demise: she had suffered a traumatic brain injury consistent with shaking, a grim indication of the abuse she had endured. Further investigations revealed that Tanya had searched online for information related to shaken baby syndrome on the night of the incident. One search inquiry reportedly included the phrase, “What to do after a baby is shucked.”
Moreover, investigators discovered that Tanya had observed Ryan shaking their daughter out of frustration, corroborating the allegations against him. Following the investigation, both Ryan and Tanya were arrested—Ryan on 26 August 2025 and Tanya just two days later. Their bail was set at an imposing $1.5 million.
Ryan Greenwood’s trial concluded with the jury determining that his actions constituted intentional child abuse resulting in death. Given the severity of the charges, prosecutors indicated that he faced a minimum sentence of 20 years, but the jury’s decision elicited a more substantial sentence reflecting the gravity of the situation.
Tanya Greenwood’s case has taken a different course; she was deemed incompetent to stand trial in December 2025. Currently, she remains in custody, with a review hearing scheduled for Thursday, 14 May 2025, to determine her next steps.
Authorities have expressed their deep concern over cases of child abuse, emphasising the need for vigilance and intervention. The heartbreaking circumstances surrounding Elizabeth Greenwood’s death highlight the critical importance of recognising signs of abuse and seeking help. Those who suspect instances of child abuse are urged to contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or visit their website for confidential assistance.
As the community grapples with the fallout from this tragic event, the legal outcomes for both Ryan and Tanya Greenwood serve as stern reminders of the severe consequences that arise from child abuse. The case further underscores the necessity for awareness and preventative measures to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable children.