TOLEDO, Ohio — A Lucas County jury on Friday convicted a man of murdering a 3-year-old in October 2022.
Michael Kitto was found guilty of one count each of aggravated murder, murder, felonious assault and endangering children for the death of Declan Hill in Sylvania, according to a press release from the Lucas County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.
Kitto, who was the boyfriend of Declan's mother, was babysitting the 3-year-old on Oct. 6, 2022, and called 911, claiming that Declan had run into a wall. Emergency services arrived and found Declan, unresponsive and without a pulse.
Declan was declared dead at the hospital the following day and the Lucas County Coroner's Office ruled his death the result of blunt force head and neck trauma.
"We are thankful for the jury's service and that we were able to provide justice for Declan's family," Lucas County Prosecuting Attorney Julia R. Bates said in a statement. "There is never a need to mistreat anyone, let alone a young child. I hope his family finds some comfort at this time. May his memory remain cherished in their hearts forever."
Kitto is scheduled for sentencing on July 24 at 1:30 p.m.
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