WQIO Ohio's Super Station
On October 13, 2023, at approximately 7:32 p.m., Deputies from the Licking County Sheriff’s Office and Officers from the Utica Police Department responded to a report of an unresponsive 4-month-old infant on Crestview Drive in Utica, Ohio. The infant was transported to Licking Memorial Hospital where medical personnel observed suspicious injuries and was pronounced deceased.
Over the past 20 months, investigators have actively worked the case. The investigation included the execution of a search at the residence, multiple interviews, forensic testing, and the collection of physical evidence.
As a result of the investigation, on June 18, 2025, Detectives with the Licking County Sheriff’s Office arrested Chance Terrence Topp, the infant’s father. Topp has been charged with Involuntary Manslaughter, a first-degree felony, in connection with the child’s death.
Topp is scheduled to be arraigned on Friday, June 20, 2025. The case will be presented to the Licking County Grand Jury on June 25, 2025, where additional charges may be considered.
