FOSTORIA, OH – A Fostoria man has been sentenced to more than 25 years in prison for causing the death of his 4-month-old son earlier this year, after investigators determined the infant died following significant abuse.

Joseph D. Bonito, 25, was handed a prison term of 25 to 31 and a half years on Monday by a Wood County judge. The sentencing follows Bonito’s admission to killing his infant son, Carson J. Bonito, through violent acts that included shaking and squeezing. Authorities say the incident marks a heartbreaking case of fatal child abuse in a quiet Ohio community.

Bonito originally faced a murder charge but reached a plea agreement with prosecutors. He entered guilty pleas to involuntary manslaughter and two counts of felonious assault. As a result of the deal, he was sentenced to 11 to 16 and a half years on the manslaughter charge, and received consecutive seven-year sentences for each assault charge, meaning the terms will be served one after the other.

The tragedy began on February 11, when Fostoria police and emergency response teams were dispatched to a residence on North Countyline Street following a report of an unresponsive infant. Bonito had contacted emergency services, indicating he last checked on Carson about three hours earlier, after feeding him. When he found the child again, he told dispatchers the baby was pale and not reacting.

First responders attempted lifesaving measures and transported Carson to a local hospital, but the infant was pronounced dead a short time later. Examination by investigators revealed the baby had incurred multiple injuries consistent with physical abuse.

During the subsequent police investigation, Bonito admitted to abusing the child the previous day. Authorities concluded the fatal injuries were likely caused by violent shaking and squeezing, resulting in deadly trauma consistent with abusive head trauma, sometimes referred to as “shaken baby syndrome.”

At Monday’s court hearing, Carson’s mother, Emma Shultz, delivered an emotional statement recounting the profound loss experienced by her family. She described her son as a happy infant whose smile had a lasting impact, and shared that the tragedy left her family and herself forever changed.

Prosecutors highlighted the lasting impact of the crime, stressing that the consequences of Bonito’s actions extended well beyond his sentence, deeply affecting those who loved Carson. Bonito declined an opportunity to speak in court prior to sentencing. His defense attorney said that Bonito had accepted responsibility and expressed remorse for the events that led to his son’s death.

The case underscores the devastating consequences of child abuse, and the court’s decision reflects a commitment to imposing accountability in such cases.

Bonito is expected to begin serving his sentence in a state correctional facility immediately. There is no possibility for parole before the minimum term is served under Ohio law.