Troy, OH – An Ohio man who admitted to killing a 1-year-old girl by slamming her head into the floor because she would not stop crying has been sentenced to 15 years to life in prison, leaving the victim’s family outraged over the punishment.
Guilty Plea and Sentencing
Michael Mayor, 34, changed his plea in late June from not guilty by reason of insanity to guilty in the murder of Vivian Gardner. On Tuesday, Judge Jeannine Pratt handed down the mandatory sentence for murder in Ohio, noting that her hands were tied by sentencing guidelines.
“If I had the discretion, you would be getting a much larger sentence,” Pratt told Mayor in court, according to the Dayton Daily News.
The victim’s family expressed deep frustration at the possibility Mayor could one day be released, vowing to fight for sentencing reforms for violent crimes.
Brutal Killing of a Toddler
The crime occurred on December 5, 2024, when Mayor was left to care for Vivian while his wife, a professional babysitter, took other children to school. Investigators said Mayor admitted he became frustrated when Vivian wouldn’t stop crying.
According to police, Mayor told them he “‘shook’ her, and when she cried louder, he began to ‘slam’ her on the floor of the bedroom.” He also admitted it was not done on blankets and that he slammed her several times until she stopped crying.
When Mayor’s wife returned, he claimed Vivian was “napping” on the bedroom floor. She checked on the child several times but grew concerned when Vivian was still unresponsive at 3 p.m., prompting her to call 911.
Medical Findings and Arrest
Vivian was rushed to the hospital, where doctors diagnosed her with a fractured skull, a subdural hematoma, and other severe injuries caused by what medical staff described as a “massive impact.” She succumbed to her injuries on December 19, 2024.
Mayor was arrested on December 11, 2024, initially charged with felonious assault and three counts of endangering children. After Vivian’s death, charges were upgraded to three counts of murder. As part of his plea deal in June, all but one murder charge were dismissed.
Lack of Remorse and Family’s Statement
Mayor’s defense attorney said he had written a letter apologizing to the family. However, Judge Pratt told him in court that he did not appear remorseful.
Vivian’s family released a statement through a spokesperson, saying they were not satisfied with the sentence and feared that Mayor “may be free to rejoin society, to be around children once more.”
The family vowed to advocate for laws ensuring punishments for violent crimes match the devastation they cause to victims, families, and communities.
Do you believe Ohio’s sentencing laws should be tougher for crimes against children? Share your thoughts in the comment.
