Father found guilty in death of 1-year-old daughter

GREENFIELD, Ind. (WISH) — A Greenfield man has been found guilty of killing his one-year-old baby girl.

Matthew Wagoner was found guilty of murder and neglect of a dependent resulting in death on Thursday. He will be sentenced on Feb. 24.

Wagoner and his wife Jessica were charged in the case after their daughter Zoey died from blunt-force trauma injuries to her abdomen and head.

Prosecutor Brent Eaton said there are no winners in this case.

“There’s nothing that will bring the child back to life. Nothing will fix what is broken,” Eaton said.

Wagoner faces up to 40 years for the neglect charge and up to 65 years for the murder charge. Prosecutors may try to get those sentences to be served consecutively.

“We’re going to try and get as much time as we can,” Eaton said.

The pair were arrested last May and charged in June 1. Court documents said the child’s babysitter called 911 on May 28 saying that the baby was blue and not breathing.

An autopsy report said the baby had been living with a broken arm and that she had a lacerated liver.

Jessica Wagoner was hit with additional charges in December for violating a court order.

Matthew Wagoner also faces molestation charges in Henry County. His trial in that case is set to begin March 1.

Jessica Wagoner is set to go to trial on Feb. 22.