Dad convicted of murder in death of 14-month-old daughter; conviction upheld on appeal (Middletown, Ohio)

Dad ROD EDWARD VANLOAN was convicted last summer of felony child endangering and murder in the death of his 14-month-old daughter. The toddler died of a skull fracture, which lead to brain swelling. His appeal has upheld his conviction.

http://www.middletownjournal.com/news/crime/appeals-court-upholds-fathers-conviction-in-toddlers-death-275753.html

Appeals court upholds father’s conviction in toddler’s death
By Lauren Pack, Staff Writer
Updated 4:23 PM Tuesday, September 1, 2009

MIDDLETOWN — The conviction of a Fairfield father serving a 15 years-to-life prison sentence for killing a toddler has been upheld by the 12th District Court of Appeals.

Rod Edward VanLoan, 34, formerly of Dusk Court, was convicted last summer of felony child endangering and murder in the death of his 14-month-old daughter, Alexis.

VanLoan kicked his daughter, then shook the child in his home on May 5, 2007, which resulted in a skull fracture and brain swelling that led to the girl’s death, according to testimony during the four-day trial in Butler County Common Pleas Court in Hamilton.

VanLoan took the stand in his own defense, stating he was assisting his daughter, who was unsteady on her feet, in walking and when he turned to grab a diaper bag, Alexis fell on her own, hitting her head.

On appeal, VanLoan argued the judge improperly interrupted his trial counsel by asking the state’s expert a question, and that the prosecutor made improper comments during closing arguments.

In a unanimous decision, appellate judges found the court’s questions to the witness were not biased and did not affect the outcome of the trial; nor did the prosecutor’s statements amount to misconduct.

VanLoan is currently housed in the Warren Correctional Institution in Lebanon. He isn't scheduled to have his first parole hearing until March 2022, according to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction's Web site.