Crime & Safety

3-year-old girl dies after her mother’s boyfriend strangled her to death before calling 911 and reporting she was kidnapped by a “deadbeat drug guy;” boyfriend charged

Ohio – In a disturbing event in Ohio, a man who initially reported a young child missing is now charged with her murder, bringing a small community to grips with a horrifying act of violence. The accused 29-year-old man, identified as D. O’Brien, is facing charges after strangling a 3-year-old girl to death, the girl being his girlfriend’s daughter, whom he reported missing.

The police department was alerted on a quiet Thursday evening when O’Brien called 911 around 9 p.m. from his mobile home. In a panic-stricken voice, he informed the dispatcher that he could not find the 3-year-old girl after taking a nap. O’Brien said ““I took a 30-minute nap, and I just woke up. Nowhere. I have searched our entire home.” The call captured O’Brien’s claim of the girl vanishing along with a dog, supposedly taken by someone he referred to as a “deadbeat drug guy.”

During the call, O’Brien, who noted that his girlfriend was at work, expressed his uncertainty about whether to search the neighborhood. He stated that both his girlfriend and her daughter had only recently moved in with him, heightening the urgency of the situation.

However, the initial concern soon turned to horror. Shortly after law enforcement officers arrived to investigate, they discovered the lifeless body of the young girl near O’Brien’s home. Police Chief J. Oliver revealed that an autopsy indicated the girl suffered from blunt force trauma and died due to strangulation. The autopsy showed there were also signs of se-ual assault.

The grim findings led to O’Brien’s immediate arrest. He was booked into the county’s jail without bond, and a preliminary hearing was scheduled. The case not only shocked the community but also highlighted O’Brien’s reported history of mental health issues, adding layers of complexity to the tragic scenario. His arraignment was set for the following Monday morning at 9 a.m. in court.

This tragic event has left the community and the victim’s family devastated. The loss of a child in such brutal circumstances is a grievous blow, and the unfolding details of the case continue to stir emotions among local residents and beyond. The police have been tight-lipped about further details, as the investigation is ongoing, but the impact of this tragedy resonates deeply, highlighting the dire consequences of domestic disturbances and mental health crises.

The authorities have urged anyone with more information to come forward to assist in the investigation, as they piece together the events that led up to the young girl’s untimely death. Meanwhile, the community is rallying around the bereaved family, providing support during this profoundly difficult time. As this case progresses through the legal system, many are calling for justice for the young victim, hoping for closure and significant measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Donald Wolfe

Donald’s writings have appeared in HuffPost, Washington Examiner, The Saturday Evening Post, and The Virginian-Pilot, among other publications. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia. He is the Virginian Tribune's Publisher.

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