Indianapolis father convicted in neglect death of 4-month-old daughter
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A Marion County jury on Tuesday found an Indianapolis man guilty of neglect in the death of his 4-month-old daughter.
Prosecutors say Daron Washington was convicted of two counts of neglect after the death of his daughter, Iyari, in March 2023.
The infant’s mother, Tiera Crute, pleaded guilty to her role in the death in January and was sentenced to 16 years in prison.
On March 3, 2023, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers were called to a west side home on Holmes Avenue to investigate an infant’s death.
Police previously reported the girl looked emaciated. Officers searching the home could not locate any baby bottles, formula, a crib, or baby bedding
Investigators conducted a review at Riley Hospital for Children and determined Iyari was “significantly malnourished and underweight at the time of her death.”
Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said in a statement Washington and Crute failed their daughter.
“Iyari’s parents failed her throughout her young life. The Court’s verdict sends a clear message that neglecting the needs of our most vulnerable children will not be tolerated,” he said. “As parents and caregivers, we have the duty to ensure that every child can thrive in a safe and nurturing environment.”
Washington’s sentencing hearing was set for April 17.
