Infant shot dead by mom in Ohio who will now spend life in prison for murder

A mom who murdered her infant daughter will now spend life in prison. 

Joyceann Louise Ruane, pleaded guilty to Aggravated Murder with a firearm, a special category felony and having weapons while under disability late last year. Last week, prosecutors said she was sentenced to life in prison without parole. 

Deputies said a 16-month old girl was shot on July 23, 2020, by Ruane following an argument with the child's father, according to court documents.  

The child was rushed to a Huntington area trauma center, where she later died.

“This case is the most horrific and tragic investigation I’ve experienced throughout my career as a law enforcement professional,” Gallia County Sheriff Matt Champlin said in a statement. 

“It is simply unimaginable to grasp the reality that this parent possesses a level of pure evil to take the life of their young child as brutally as this mother did.”

“It is unconscionable that a parent, who has a duty to care, nurture, and protect their children, would take the life of a helpless and innocent child.  As community servants, there is nothing we can do to restore the life of this child.  However, as your prosecutor, I am grateful that Ruane was convicted of her crimes and will serve the rest of her life behind bars,” stated Prosecutor Jason Holdren.