Man Sentenced to 35 Years for Killing Infant Daughter

Damian Milton convicted of aggravated battery resulting in the death of his 1-year-old child

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A 31-year-old Indianapolis man has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for the aggravated battery and death of his 1-year-old daughter Amaya Milton. Damian Milton admitted to violently shaking and suffocating the toddler, causing severe head and spinal injuries that led to her death after being hospitalized in critical condition.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the issue of child abuse and the need for greater awareness, prevention, and support services to protect vulnerable young children from harm. It also raises questions about the criminal justice system's ability to hold abusive parents accountable for their actions.

The details

According to investigators, on July 30, 2023, Damian Milton became frustrated while his daughter Amaya was crying and walking in circles. He admitted to grabbing her in a tight "bear hug," pressing her face into his chest and squeezing her neck for about 30 seconds until she made gasping sounds. Milton also demonstrated how he forcefully placed Amaya on a bed, causing the left side of her head to strike the surface. Amaya was rushed to the hospital two days later in cardiac arrest and was found to have severe head and spinal injuries consistent with violent shaking and suffocation. She was pronounced dead on August 6, 2023 after being on life support.

  • On July 25, 2023, Amaya was evaluated at the hospital after hitting the back of her head, but no serious injuries were found.
  • On July 30, 2023, Damian Milton violently shook and suffocated his 1-year-old daughter Amaya.
  • On July 31, 2023, Amaya was rushed to the hospital in cardiac arrest.
  • On August 6, 2023, Amaya Milton was pronounced dead at Riley Hospital for Children.

The players

Damian Milton

A 31-year-old Indianapolis man who was convicted of aggravated battery resulting in the death of his 1-year-old daughter Amaya.

Amaya Milton

The 1-year-old daughter of Damian Milton who died from injuries sustained during her father's abuse.

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What’s next

Milton is being held at the Marion County jail and will serve a 35-year sentence for the aggravated battery and death of his daughter.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the critical need for greater awareness, prevention, and support services to protect vulnerable children from abusive parents. It also raises questions about the criminal justice system's ability to hold child abusers fully accountable for their actions.