Dad Wanted to Go Back to Sleep, So He Allegedly Suffocated Baby Daughter to Death with Her Pacifier: Prosecutors

An Ohio father has been indicted on multiple serious charges, including aggravated murder, following the tragic death of his infant daughter. Chance Topp, aged 29, is accused of suffocating his four-month-old daughter, referred to as R.T. in court documents, by applying excessive pressure with a pacifier over her mouth and nose, allegedly to silence her cries and allow himself to return to sleep.

The disturbing details of the case surfaced through a recent superseding bill of particulars which outlines the circumstances surrounding the tragic event on 13 October 2023. Topp faces 13 counts, including two counts of murder, two counts of involuntary manslaughter, along with charges of child endangerment, felonious assault, and various forms of domestic violence.

During a hearing on 19 May, Topp pleaded not guilty to the newly added charges, which also include aggravated murder. Following his initial arrest, his bond was reduced from a staggering £1.6 million to £160,000, yet he remains in custody.

Authorities responded to a call regarding an unresponsive infant at a residence on Crestview Drive, where first responders discovered R.T. motionless. Witness reports state that family members present became visibly distressed, with one reportedly shouting accusations at Topp regarding his daughter’s condition.

In initial statements made to detectives, Topp claimed he had put the baby in her crib and later woke to her gasping for air. Despite his attempts to perform CPR, he did not contact emergency services, raising further concerns among investigators.

The infant’s grandmother provided insight into the events leading up to R.T.’s death, stating that she had heard the child screaming in a manner she had never experienced before, describing it as “the most awful cry.” She expressed her frustration at Topp for refusing her assistance in caring for the child, highlighting potential neglect in his role as a caregiver.

Reports from medical personnel indicated bruising on R.T.’s jawline and a distinctive horizontal mark on her neck, prompting investigators to draw comparisons to known strangulation scenarios. An autopsy later ruled the cause of death as asphyxia, noting severe cerebral edema and petechiae—key indicators often associated with suffocation.

Compounding the grim circumstances, toxicological analysis found traces of 11-carboxy-Delta-8-THC in the infant’s system. According to Topp’s own admissions during subsequent interrogations, he acknowledged using Delta-8-THC in the presence of his child, purportedly to help him manage his stress. He conceded having held the pacifier too forcefully while attempting to soothe the child, indicating a troubling understanding of his actions.

Significantly, a pathology expert suggested that the details surrounding the toddler’s death were consistent with intentional homicide, questioning the nature of Topp’s actions leading to her suffocation. Further incriminating was a recorded phone call on Christmas Day from jail, where Topp is stated to have acknowledged the veracity of his earlier admissions, contradicting his initial statements to law enforcement.

The Licking County Sheriff’s Office previously shared that Topp’s arrest was the culmination of an extensive 20-month investigation, during which forensic evidence and witness statements were gathered. With his trial set for 27 July, the legal proceedings are poised to delve deeper into the tragic events that led to the loss of R.T.

In light of this distressing case, authorities emphasise the importance of vigilance regarding child safety, urging anyone suspecting child abuse to seek help from established resources. The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline is available for confidential support and guidance, ensuring that those in need can reach out for assistance 24/7.