Wichita, Kan. — A 20-year-old man was found guilty of murder in the tragic shooting death of his pregnant girlfriend, following a tumultuous altercation last May. The verdict came after jurors examined a range of evidence that underscored a disturbing pattern of violent and controlling behavior.
Matthew Criscenzo was convicted of premeditated first-degree murder, felony murder, kidnapping, and aggravated battery in connection with the death of 20-year-old Naomi Oglesby, who was 37 weeks pregnant when she was shot. The confrontation took place at Criscenzo’s father’s home on South Laura Avenue, a location where the couple frequently stayed.
Court documents revealed that the deadly incident was sparked by a dispute over a video game controller. Criscenzo admitted during police interviews that he pointed a handgun at Oglesby when she attempted to interrupt his gaming. In a heartbreaking turn of events, he fired the weapon, hitting her in the head as she tried to push it away.
Criscenzo’s father, who was baking in the kitchen during the altercation, was alerted by the sound of a gunshot. He found his son standing over Oglesby, who lay on the floor with a severe head injury. According to reports, Criscenzo expressed shock at what he had done.
Oglesby was rushed to a local hospital, where doctors performed an emergency cesarean section to deliver her child. Although the baby survived, the infant faced serious complications due to oxygen deprivation during the pregnancy. Tragically, Oglesby was declared dead shortly after giving birth.
Testimonies from friends and former partners depicted Criscenzo as someone with a history of domineering behavior and violence. Witnesses described multiple instances of threats and physical assaults, including a particularly alarming episode just days before the fatal shooting, where he reportedly brandished a firearm and threatened Oglesby’s life.
Following the shooting, Criscenzo’s distress was captured in recorded statements made to police. In the hours after the incident, he expressed disbelief over his actions, stating that he never intended for things to end in tragedy and did not want Oglesby to leave him.
During the trial, the defense portrayed Criscenzo as reckless rather than malicious, arguing that he did not set out to kill Oglesby. His attorneys highlighted his immediate remorse and cooperation with law enforcement as indicators that he did not possess the intent necessary for a murder conviction.
Key evidence included a spent cartridge case found at the scene, multiple additional rounds, and an extended magazine for the firearm. Criscenzo claimed he had been drinking prior to the incident and did not realize the severity of the situation until it was too late.
With the jury’s verdict, Criscenzo now faces sentencing, and his legal team is pushing for an expedited hearing. While a specific date has yet to be set, the case continues to resonate within the community, where residents have come together to support Oglesby’s newborn, who faces a difficult future.
The tragic circumstances surrounding this case have sparked renewed conversations about domestic violence, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and prevention initiatives in the region.