CLEVELAND, OH — A 20-year-old father from Ohio, Traveon Hughes Sr., has been sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 15 years, following his conviction for the murder of his 13-week-old son by asphyxiation. The sentencing occurred just two days after a jury found him guilty.
The tragic incident took place at the family’s Westlake home in Cuyahoga County. On June 25, 2022, authorities responded to a call and discovered the infant, Traveon Hughes Jr., who had been born prematurely, with a baby wipe lodged in his throat.
During the trial, prosecutors from the office of Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley argued that the act was intentional, emphasizing that the victim was too young to have ingested the wipe on his own. Conversely, defense attorney W. Scott Ramsey contended that Hughes did not act recklessly or intentionally and proclaimed his client’s innocence, signaling plans for an appeal.
According to the prosecution’s summary, on the day of the incident, Hughes was home alone with his son. He reportedly placed a baby wipe on the child’s chest as a substitute for a bib and left the room briefly. Upon returning, he found the baby choking and immediately called the police.
This case has garnered significant attention due to the young age of both the victim and the defendant, and the devastating circumstances surrounding the death. The community and local authorities continue to grapple with the implications of this tragic event.