Nebraska – In an unsettling incident that left residents in Nebraska shocked, a 36-year-old father, identified as Ryan G., and a 28-year-old mother, identified as Tanya G., are facing serious criminal charges following the death of their 4-month-old daughter, who suffered a traumatic brain injury consistent with shaken baby syndrome. Authorities say the infant could have survived if she had received timely medical care.
The couple have both been charged with child abuse resulting in death. The charges stem from an incident on August 14, when Ryan called 911 from their apartment to report that his baby daughter had died. When first responders arrived, they found the infant unresponsive. Despite efforts to resuscitate her, the child was pronounced dead. An autopsy revealed the baby died from a traumatic brain injury, with evidence consistent with shaken baby syndrome. A specialist in child abuse from a children’s hospital concluded that the injury was non-accidental and that immediate medical treatment could have improved her chance of survival.
Investigators say Ryan admitted to “playing rough” with the baby the day before her death, causing her to cry uncontrollably. He claimed he gave her a bottle and put her to bed around 11 p.m. and later found her cold and lifeless the following morning. Tanya told police she returned home from shopping and heard “the worst cry I had ever heard.” She wanted to seek medical care, but according to her, Ryan told her not to. Instead, the baby was left in her crib for the night.
The investigation uncovered troubling patterns in the couple’s parenting. Tanya reportedly admitted to police that she had seen Ryan shake the baby before, especially when he was frustrated. She also said he had squeezed the baby’s leg tightly on one occasion. Further evidence came from the couple’s internet search history, which revealed that Tanya looked up information on shaken baby syndrome after the child had already died. Text messages between Tanya and Ryan show her questioning him about unexplained injuries she had noticed on their daughter in the past. The child abuse specialist emphasized that the delay in seeking help directly contributed to the baby’s death. Authorities believe that if either parent had acted on time, the infant could still be alive today.
Ryan was arrested on August 26, and Tanya was taken into custody two days later on August 28. Both were booked into the county jail. At their initial court appearance, a judge set their bond at 10% of $1.5 million each. That means each would need to post $150,000 to be released. As part of their bond conditions, the couple was ordered to have no contact with each other or with any minors. Tanya must also surrender her passport if she is released. Their next court appearance is scheduled for October 1.
This tragic case has stirred strong emotions in the community. The loss of a young child under such distressing circumstances—combined with evidence of prior warning signs and failure to seek help—has left many asking how this could have been prevented. While both parents face serious legal consequences, the heart of this case remains the irreversible loss of an innocent life that, according to medical experts, could have been saved. The coming court proceedings are expected to determine just how much responsibility each parent bears for that outcome.
