Police handcuffs and criminal fingerprints card

Fostoria, OH – Joseph D. Bonito, a 25-year-old father, will serve 25 to 31 and a half years in prison for killing his infant son earlier this year. Wood County Common Pleas Judge Mary “Molly” L. Mack issued the sentence on Monday following a guilty plea to involuntary manslaughter and felonious assault.

Bonito had initially faced murder charges but reached a plea agreement with prosecutors. He received 11 to 16 and a half years on the manslaughter charge and seven years consecutively for each assault charge.

On February 11, officers and medical personnel responded to a call regarding an unresponsive infant in a residence on North Countyline Street. Bonito placed the 911 call, stating he last checked on his son, Carson, three hours prior and that the child appeared “white” and unresponsive.

First responders performed lifesaving measures and transported Carson to Fostoria ProMedica Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Investigators noted that Carson had multiple injuries consistent with abuse, and Bonito admitted to physically abusing him the day before.

During sentencing, Emma Shultz, the victim’s mother, addressed the court, expressing her grief and loss. She highlighted how the tragic incident affected her family, describing how their lives changed irrevocably.

Bonito chose not to speak in court. His attorney stated that his client accepted responsibility and expressed remorse for the incident.

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