A woman has been handed a life sentence for the murder of her four-week-old daughter in a horrifying manner. In 2005, 25-year-old China Arnold, living with her boyfriend and children in Dayton, Ohio, took her newborn daughter Paris to the hospital while intoxicated. The infant showed no signs of life, leading to Arnold’s arrest, though she was released due to insufficient evidence.
Subsequently, prosecutors revealed that Arnold had placed the baby in a microwave oven at home, leading to fatal injuries caused by extreme overheating. The tragic incident occurred after an argument with her boyfriend over the child’s paternity. Arnold’s cellmate disclosed her confession, citing fear of her partner discovering her infidelity as the motive behind the killing.
In 2006, Arnold was imprisoned again and faced trial in 2008. Despite defense efforts to shift blame to another individual, the case proceeded with Arnold as the primary suspect. Following a mistrial due to evidentiary issues, a second trial confirmed Arnold as the sole perpetrator in Paris’ death.
Arnold was convicted of aggravated murder, receiving a life sentence without parole. Despite appeals arguing her boyfriend’s involvement, the sentence remained unchanged. Psychologists noted Arnold’s mental state, indicating average intelligence with mild depression and substance abuse issues. Currently incarcerated at the Dayton Correctional Institution, Arnold’s numerous appeal attempts, including consideration for capital punishment, have been unsuccessful.