As per the press statement issued by the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, Matthew Ponomarenko entered a guilty plea on November 9th, to one charge each of aggravated murder, kidnapping, and endangering minors. Ponomarenko was given a life sentence by a judge, with the possibility of release after 45 years.
Ohio Father in Custody After 5-Year-Old Son Found Dead with Blunt Force Injuries
Shortly after beating his son, Jax, multiple times with a baseball bat in their Russell Avenue house near West 45th Street, Ponomarenko phoned 911 on March 25, 2021. Ponomarenko reported hearing voices to the dispatcher, according to WEWS-TV.
According to the prosecutor’s office, Ponomarenko was taken into custody in the front yard after Parma Police rushed to the residence. The 5-year-old child was discovered by the authorities with blunt force injuries to his face and head in the living room. He was immediately declared dead.
Michael O’Malley, the Cuyahoga County prosecutor, stated in a statement that Matthew Ponomarenko killed and severely abused his kid. I hope that this sentence may bring some small comfort and serenity to the family. May Jax’s memories remain in their hearts for all time.”