Ohio – In a deeply disturbing case in Ohio that caught nationwide attention, a 32-year-old mother, identified as Ashley F., is facing multiple charges after her 6-year-old daughter, identified as Eva, died from severe abuse that spanned for months. Authorities say the child endured relentless physical violence, including beatings and strangulation, before succumbing to her injuries in a hospital.
Ashley has been charged with one count of murder, one count of involuntary manslaughter, and one count of obstructing justice in the death of her daughter. Additionally, she faces two counts of permitting child abuse and two counts of endangering children related to a separate case involving a 1-year-old child who suffered “serious physical harm” between November and December of 2023. The charges stem from an April 13, 2025, incident in which first responders were called to a home. Upon arrival, officers discovered young Eva in medical distress and immediately began lifesaving measures. She was rushed to a children’s hospital and admitted in critical condition.
Doctors soon discovered the extent of the child’s suffering. Eva had suffered internal injuries, including a severed liver, as well as external injuries such as ligature marks around her neck, indicating she had been strangled. Despite efforts to save her life, the little girl died about six hours after arriving at the hospital. The coroner’s office conducted an autopsy that concluded Eva’s death was a homicide. The coroner’s findings painted a horrifying picture of sustained abuse. In addition to the severed liver, Eva had blunt force trauma to her abdomen and multiple broken ribs and pelvis fractures in various stages of healing — a clear sign of prolonged physical abuse.
The autopsy also revealed the presence of fentanyl in her system and evidence of se-ual assault. Investigators believe the abuse had been ongoing for several weeks or even months leading up to her death. The nature and extent of Eva’s injuries, including the healing fractures, suggest that this was not a one-time incident but a pattern of violent, escalating harm. As part of their investigation, police interviewed Ashley and her boyfriend, identified as Blake H. Both reportedly gave conflicting accounts of how Eva sustained such life-threatening injuries. Their differing stories raised further suspicions, ultimately leading to Ashley’s arrest. Blake was also indicted in connection to Eva’s death. However, before police could take him into custody, he took his own life, according to reports.
Court documents detailed in the indictment state that Eva’s death resulted from actions that included “permitting the child to be abused, to be tortured, to be administered corporal punishment or other physical disciplinary measure, or to be physically restrained in a cruel manner or for a prolonged period.” As of now, Ashley remains in custody as she awaits trial. The full scope of the abuse, including the drug exposure and se-ual assault, is still under investigation. Authorities have not disclosed whether others may face charges or if more victims are involved.
Eva’s death has deeply shaken the community. Advocates and local officials are now urging for stronger oversight in child welfare cases, calling Eva’s death both a tragedy and a failure of the systems meant to protect children. If convicted, Ashley could spend the rest of her life in prison. Her case is scheduled to move forward in the coming weeks as prosecutors continue to pursue justice for Eva, a young girl whose short life ended in unimaginable pain.
