Man receives 35-year sentence for aggravated battery, causing his daughter’s death

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A man has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for aggravated battery, a top-level felony, after he repeatably abused his 1-year-old daughter, causing her death.

Marion County Prosecutor’s Office announced Wednesday that 31-year-old Damian Milton caused Amaya Milton’s death after she suffered severe head and spinal injuries consistent with violent shaking and suffocation.

Amaya Milton was taken by ambulance to Riley Hospital for Children on July 31, 2023, after she was found unresponsive and in cardiac arrest, investigators said. Emergency crews were able to restore her pulse, and she was admitted to the intensive care unit in life-threatening condition.

Doctors discovered bleeding on both sides of her brain, swelling caused by lack of oxygen and bleeding along her spine. Specialists with the hospital’s Child Protection Team determined the injuries were highly suspicious for inflicted trauma and not consistent with an accidental fall, as the parents suggested.

Investigators initially were told the toddler had fallen days earlier while learning to walk. Hospital records show Amaya was evaluated July 25 after hitting the back of her head on carpet, but no serious injuries were found at that time and no CT scan was performed.

Amaya underwent ...