Case Summary
- Case Type
- Domestic Violence
- Incident Date
- March 10
- Location
- South Market Street, East Canton, OH
- Investigating Agency
- Village of East Canton Police Department
- Suspect
- Melanie DiMarzio
- Suspect Age
- 46
- Victim Count
- 1
- Charges
- involuntary manslaughter, endangering children
- Court Status
- sentenced
- Case Status
- sentenced
A 46-year-old former unlicensed daycare owner in East Canton, Ohio, was sentenced to five years in prison following the suffocation death of an eight-month-old infant in her care, according to court records and reports from Law and Crime.
The case involves defendant Melanie DiMarzio, who operated an unlicensed childcare facility out of her residence on South Market Street. The fatal incident occurred on March 10, when first responders rushed to the home for an emergency medical call involving an infant who was unresponsive after being placed down for a nap in a bed rather than a crib.
Incident Overview
According to a criminal complaint obtained by Law and Crime, officers with the Village of East Canton Police Department responded to the residence on March 10 for a medical emergency involving an infant. First responders found the victim unresponsive and transported him to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Investigators subsequently discovered that DiMarzio was running an unlicensed daycare, telling authorities she typically watched between five and 10 children for about 45 dollars per child per day in cash.
The investigation revealed that the home lacked appropriate supervision and safe sleeping arrangements for infants and toddlers. Court filings noted that DiMarzio had difficulty recalling how many children she was babysat, lacked current CPR certification or other medical training, had no formal emergency plan, and possessed no baby monitors or cameras. At least six young children were present at the home on the day of the incident, including the victim, two 23-month-olds, a one-year-old whose last name DiMarzio reportedly did not know, a three-year-old, and a four-year-old.
Suspect Information
Melanie DiMarzio, 46, operated the home daycare in East Canton, Ohio. Following the incident, court records show she attempted to reopen the business before a judge issued a temporary restraining order on March 20. DiMarzio later settled a lawsuit and sold the daycare operation. She was indicted in July, initially pleaded not guilty, and subsequently reached a plea agreement with prosecutors.
Victim Information
The victim is eight-month-old Grant Simmons. During the sentencing hearing, the infant's father remembered his son as a baby who always had a smile and loved life, while the victim's mother testified about the trust she placed in the daycare provider and expressed grief over the loss.
Police Response
Officers with the Village of East Canton Police Department responded to the South Market Street home on March 10 following a 911 call regarding a medical emergency, immediately rendering aid to the unresponsive infant and arranging emergency transport to a local hospital.
Investigation
The Village of East Canton Police Department spearheaded the initial response, while subsequent regulatory filings and legal proceedings involved the Stark County Sheriff Office, local prosecutors, and Common Pleas Court Judge Chryssa Hartnett. Officials scrutinized the operational safety of the daycare, leading to a temporary restraining order and subsequent criminal charges.
Evidence Collected
- Criminal complaint and investigative findings detailing home conditions
- Statements from the operator regarding child capacities and cash payments
- Medical records and hospital pronouncement documents
- Social media postings and local affiliate reporting materials
Arrest Details
DiMarzio was indicted in July in connection with the infant's death. After entering a guilty plea before Common Pleas Court Judge Chryssa Hartnett, she was ordered to report to the Stark County Jail on November 9 to begin serving her five-year sentence.
Charges Filed
- Involuntary manslaughter: A third-degree felony charge reflecting causing the death of another as a proximate result of committing a misdemeanor or felony offense. Prosecutors dropped an additional first-degree involuntary manslaughter charge as part of the plea agreement.
- Endangering children: A charge pertaining to creating a substantial risk of serious physical harm to a child through abuse or neglect, stemming from unsafe sleeping arrangements and lack of supervision.
Court Information
The legal proceedings took place in the Stark County Common Pleas Court before Judge Chryssa Hartnett. Court records indicate the case docket number was not released in the initial disclosures, and the defendant was ordered to report for her sentence on November 9.
Statements from Authorities
During the sentencing hearing, Common Pleas Court Judge Chryssa Hartnett addressed the defendant directly regarding her actions and public statements. "How tone deaf do you have to be to put that out there?" Hartnett asked the defendant, according to the Canton Repository, further telling DiMarzio that she definitely did things she should not have done.
Public Safety Information
Childcare facilities are subject to strict state licensing and safety regulations designed to prevent tragic accidents involving infants and toddlers. Parents seeking to verify daycare credentials or report unlicensed operations can contact local law enforcement or state child services agencies. If you or someone you know is affected by domestic violence or family crisis, support is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
What Happens Next
With the sentencing concluded and DiMarzio ordered to report to the Stark County Jail on November 9, the criminal case reaches its conclusion in the trial court, subject to standard appellate review windows if either party files an appeal.