Man charged with murder of infant daughter after alleged threats and violence

A 30-year-old Ohio man has been indicted on multiple charges, including murder, in connection with the death of his 4-month-old daughter, in a case prosecutors say involved months of alleged abuse and threats before the infant’s death.

Marcellaus Malone was indicted in Clermont County on charges of murder, involuntary manslaughter, domestic violence, and seven counts of endangering children. 

He pleaded not guilty on April 22, according to court records, and is being held on a $3 million bond.

Authorities said the infant girl was found unresponsive on Dec. 11, 2025, after emergency responders were called to the family’s home. She was transported to the hospital but later pronounced dead.

According to prosecutors, the child’s mother had appropriately swaddled the baby before Malone placed her in a bassinet and was reportedly the last person to see her alive before the emergency call was placed around 12:30 a.m. 

The mother told dispatchers the baby was not breathing, and both parents attempted CPR at the scene.

An autopsy cited “reported history of occlusion of the nose and mouth by swaddling of the body and head” as a contributing factor in the infant’s death, according to prosecutors.

Investigators also allege the abuse began at least two months prior to the infant’s death. 

Prosecutors said they discovered video evidence in which Malone allegedly threatened the child, including statements that she would be a “dead baby” and threats of physical harm.

In court, prosecutors further alleged that Malone had swaddled the infant in a way that restricted her breathing on prior occasions and that he punched her in the face at least once for crying, causing visible bruising.

“This is a deeply disturbing case,” said Mark Tekulve, calling the allegations “callous and evil” and emphasizing that the office is committed to prosecuting violence against vulnerable children.

Nick Horton also told the court that evidence pointed to repeated threats and escalating abuse leading up to the infant’s death.