UTICA, Ohio — A father faces multiple charges, including aggravated murder, after the tragic death of his 4-month-old daughter, who authorities say died as a result of suffocation with a pacifier. Chance Terrence Topp, 29, is currently detained on a $200,000 bond as he awaits a jury trial set for July 27.
The case, which escalated from an initial manslaughter charge to a 13-count indictment, began with a call to authorities on the evening of October 13, 2023. Police and medical responders rushed to Topp’s residence after receiving a report about an unresponsive infant. Upon arrival, emergency personnel found the baby in distress and transported her to Licking Memorial Hospital, where medical staff quickly identified signs of abuse before she was pronounced dead.
Initially, Topp claimed that he had fallen asleep after placing the infant in her crib. According to investigators, he asserted that he woke to her gasping for air and attempted CPR but failed to summon emergency services himself. However, family members reportedly heard the child crying before the 911 call was made, raising suspicions about Topp’s version of events.
Witness accounts further complicated Topp’s narrative. Relatives confronted him upon arriving at the scene, expressing their concerns and demanding to know what happened. One family member noted hearing a disturbing cry from the baby that left a lasting impression. This testimony led detectives to scrutinize Topp’s actions more closely.
As the investigation progressed, medical examinations revealed troubling evidence. The baby’s autopsy indicated she had suffered asphyxia, with significant cerebral edema and petechiae, findings typically associated with suffocation or strangulation. Moreover, bruising on the child’s jawline was noted, leading investigators to conclude that the injuries were consistent with strangulation.
In subsequent statements to investigators, Topp acknowledged that he had smoked delta-8 THC in the same room as the baby and admitted to holding the pacifier over her mouth and nose in an attempt to silence her cries. He later confessed to using excessive force, inadvertently obstructing her airway. This admission was pivotal for prosecutors, who argued that the evidence supported a deliberate act rather than a tragic accident.
Assistant Prosecutor Tyler McCoy explained that the extensive investigation required careful analysis of evidence and witness interviews. He noted that Topp had made contradictory statements and ultimately admitted his culpability in the child’s death. Recorded conversations from Topp’s time in jail, which suggest his early claims were misleading, may serve as crucial evidence in the trial.
The indictment includes 13 charges, ranging from aggravated murder to domestic violence, reflecting various legal theories surrounding the child’s death. Topp has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and while his bond was initially set at $2 million, it was later reduced significantly.
Family members remembered the child fondly, mourning her passing while emphasizing her joyful spirit. Topp’s trial will delve into the complex circumstances surrounding her death, as prosecutors prepare to lay out their evidence to a jury. As the local community grapples with the case’s emotional weight, all eyes are on the courtroom as it seeks answers and accountability.