Today, Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters announced the indictment of Terry Stiles (DOB 10-5-85) for the May 18th death of 14-year-old Carl Leggett, Jr.  Stiles is now indicted for 1 count of Murder (Special Felony).  If convicted, he faces the possibility of 15 years-life in prison.

Stiles was originally charged with Felonious Assault for assaulting 5-month-old Carl Leggett, Jr. in July 2005.  He pled guilty and was convicted of Felonious Assault (Felony 2).  He served 8 years in the Ohio Department of Correction and Rehabilitation which was the maximum sentence.

On July 16, 2005, police responded to the home of Carl Leggett, Jr. and discovered the baby in distress.  The child was transported to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital where doctors confirmed that his injuries were consistent with being beaten and shaken. Carl was under the care of Terry Stiles, his mother’s boyfriend, at the time of his injury.

Carl was never able to walk, see or eat normally.  He lingered in this state until May 18, 2019.  The Hamilton County Coroner’s Report indicates that Carl’s death at age 14 was the result of complications from the traumatic brain injury he suffered in 2005 and ruled his death a homicide.

Prosecutor Deters commented, “There is no reason to ever put your hands on a child.  Terry Stiles went to prison for the original felonious assault charge in 2005 and should go back to prison for his murder.

We anticipate a legal challenge given that Stiles has already served prison time, but we will mount a vigorous prosecution.  Ultimately, Stiles caused the death of this child and should be held accountable.”