Ohio man indicted on charges in rape, slaying of toddler

ASHTABULA, Ohio – An Ohio man has been indicted in the rape and slaying of his girlfriend’s 13-month-old daughter.

Ashtabula County Prosecutor Nicholas Iarocci said Thursday that Joshua Gurto could face the death penalty if convicted of aggravated murder in the Oct. 7 beating death of Sereniti Jazzlynn-Sky Blankenship-Sutley. Gurto also faces rape, felonious assault and domestic violence charges.

The 37-year-old was arrested Oct. 27 in Alleghany County, Pennsylvania, the day after he was spotted at a Pittsburgh convenience store.

A coroner has said Seriniti died from blunt force trauma to her head and body. She died at a local hospital after being found unconscious in Conneaut (KAW’-nee-awt), northeast of Cleveland.

Iarocci says Gurto was brought to the Ashtabula County Jail on Thursday from Allegheny County.

It’s unclear whether Gurto has an attorney.