INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A man has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for aggravated battery, a top-level felony, after he repeatably abused his 1-year-old daughter, causing her death. Marion County Prosecutor’s Office announced Wednesday that 31-year-old Damian Milton caused Amaya Milton’s death after she suffered severe head and spinal injuries consistent with violent shaking and suffocation. Amaya Milton was taken by ambulance to Riley Hospital for Children on July 31, 2023, after she was found unresponsive and in cardiac arrest, investigators said. Emergency crews were able to restore her pulse, and she was admitted to the intensive care unit in life-threatening condition. Doctors discovered bleeding on both sides of her brain, swelling caused by lack of oxygen and bleeding along her spine. Specialists with the hospital’s Child Protection Team determined the injuries were highly suspicious for inflicted trauma and not consistent with an accidental fall, as the parents suggested. Investigators initially were told the toddler had fallen days earlier while learning to walk. Hospital records show Amaya was evaluated July 25 after hitting the back of her head on carpet, but no serious injuries were found at that time and no CT scan was performed. Amaya underwent emergency bedside surgery as brain swelling worsened. She was pronounced dead on Aug. 6, 2023 at Riley. During questioning after being advised of his rights, Amaya’s father admitted he sometimes handled the child aggressively when she cried. Milton told detectives that on the night of July 30, he became frustrated while Amaya was crying and walking in circles. He said he grabbed her by the arm and pulled her into a tight “bear hug,” pressing her face into his chest and squeezing her neck area while telling her to calm down. He said he held her tightly for about 30 seconds while she made gasping or straining noises. Milton also demonstrated for detectives how he gripped the toddler under her shoulders and forcefully placed her on a bed, with the left side of her head striking the surface. A child abuse physician later told investigators that Milton’s description of events matched Amaya’s injuries. The doctor said obstructing the child’s mouth and nose could have caused oxygen deprivation and brain swelling, and that the forceful handling described could account for the hemorrhages. Police served search warrants at two residences connected to the family and seized both parents’ cell phones as part of the investigation. Milton is being held at Marion County jail. ...read more read less