Cleveland father convicted of shoving baby wipe down 13-week-old’s throat, killing him

CLEVELAND (TCD) -- A 20-year-old man has been convicted in the death of his 13-week-old son, who fatally choked on a baby wipe in 2022.

The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office announced that a jury found Traveon Hughes guilty on May 29 of the murder of his son, Traveon Hughes Jr., as well as involuntary manslaughter and two counts of child endangering. He will be sentenced on Friday, May 31, and according to Cleveland.com, he faces life in prison with parole eligibility after 15 years.

Prosecutors said Hughes was caring for the infant, who was born 12 weeks premature, alone in their home on June 25, 2022. Hughes told authorities he used a baby wipe as a bib and left his son unattended for a brief moment. According to Cleveland.com, there were discrepancies in Hughes’ account of how long he was away. When he returned to his son, Hughes reportedly said the baby was choking, and he called law enforcement.

As emergency medical services personnel attempted lifesaving measures, they found a baby wipe in the infant’s throat. According to the prosecutor’s office, Hughes Jr. was transported to a local hospital and pronounced deceased.

Officials later determined that Hughes intentionally placed the wipe down the baby’s throat, and his death was ruled a homicide by asphyxiation. Cleveland Police arrested him on June 29, 2022.