Tragic Infant Death in Fostoria: Joseph Bonito’s Arrest, Guilty Plea, and 25-Year Prison Sentence

Incident Overview

On February 11, 2025, just before noon, officers from the Fostoria Police Department and emergency medical personnel responded to a report of an unresponsive 4-month-old infant at a residence in the 1500 block of North Countyline Street in Fostoria, Ohio. The father, Joseph D. Bonito (then 24 years old), made the 911 call, reporting that he had last checked on his son, Carson J. Bonito, about three hours earlier to feed him, but the child now appeared “white” and unresponsive. First responders performed lifesaving measures and transported the infant to Fostoria ProMedica Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The child’s mother was at work at the time, and police noted this was not the first instance of abuse.

Investigators from the Fostoria Police Department and Wood County Children Services determined the death was not natural or accidental, with injuries consistent with trauma and abuse. Bonito admitted to shaking and squeezing the infant, which caused the fatal injuries. Bonito had no prior record with Fostoria police.

Arrest and Charges

Bonito was arrested on February 11, 2025, initially charged with murder and child endangering. He was held without bond in Wood County Jail. A Wood County grand jury indicted him on February 19, 2025, on charges of murder (unclassified felony), endangering children (second-degree felony), and felonious assault (second-degree felony). He was arraigned with bond set at $500,000, and a hearing was scheduled for April 14, 2025.

Plea and Sentencing

On October 6, 2025, Bonito pleaded guilty to amended charges: one count of involuntary manslaughter (first-degree felony), one count of child endangering (second-degree felony), and two counts of felonious assault (second-degree felonies). This was part of a plea deal with prosecutors. His defense attorney noted he had accepted responsibility and shown remorse. Bonito declined to address the court.

On November 3, 2025, Wood County Common Pleas Judge Mary “Molly” L. Mack sentenced Bonito to 25 to 31.5 years in prison: 11 to 16.5 years for manslaughter and 7 years each for the two assault charges, served consecutively. He was transferred from jail to prison that day.

Public Records and Released Materials

The Fostoria Police Department released the 911 call audio made by Bonito shortly after the arrest. No specific details were found on the release of body-worn camera footage, interrogation video/audio, photographs, or other materials in response to public records requests. However, the Law&Crime Network published detailed coverage of the case, including Bonito’s mugshot and background on the incident, suggesting they obtained at least some records (such as reports or photos) through their request or other means. No explicit confirmation of the request’s fulfillment status was located in public sources, but the widespread media reporting (including from WTOL, WTVG, Sentinel-Tribune, and others) indicates that key investigative details were made available to the press. The Fostoria Police Department’s website does not list any press releases or archives related to this case as of the latest available data.

Current Status

As of November 15, 2025, the case is closed following Bonito’s sentencing on November 3, 2025. He is serving his prison term in an Ohio state correctional facility. No appeals or further proceedings have been reported in public sources. No recent social media discussions (e.g., on X) were found mentioning updates beyond the sentencing.