Man could face death sentence for 'rape and murder' of girlfriend's one-year-old daughter
Joshua Gurto spent three weeks on run after girl found beaten to death at home
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.An Ohio man has been charged with raping and killing his girlfriend’s 13-month-old daughter.
Joshua Gurto, 37, could face the death penalty if convicted of beating to death Sereniti Jazzlynn-Sky Blankenship-Sutley.
The girl was found unconscious by her 22-year-old mother on 7 October in a bedroom at their flat in Conneaut, 70 miles north-east of Cleveland. She was later pronounced dead in hospital.
A coroner said the toddler had died of blunt force trauma to her head and body.
Ashtabula County prosecutor Nicholas Iarocci said Mr Gurto faced charges of murder, aggravated murder, rape, assault with a dangerous weapon, and domestic violence.
Mr Gurto was arrested in Alleghany County, Pennsylvania on 27 October after spending three weeks on the run. He had been questioned on the day Sereniti died but police said they did not have enough evidence to detain him at the time.
He subsequently fled, sparking a manhunt.
He was spotted in a Pittsburgh convenience store the day before his arrest.
Detectives said he had been camping in woodland as he sought to evade police and was found with a backpack containing maps of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. He also had a knife and a tent.
Mr Gurto is being held at Ashtabula County Jail.
Sereniti's mother is not facing any charges.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments