UPDATE: Mother Jailed, Warrant Issued for Man in Death of Burned 2-Month-Old Infant in Springfield

UPDATE: On February 11, 2025, police said officers responded to a home in Springfield, Missouri after receiving a report of a 2-month-old infant girl who was not breathing and had blue lips. Officers arrived to find the baby suffering from extensive burn-like injuries to her face, torso, and back. She was transported to a hospital, where she was pronounced deceased.
Court documents state that 32-year-old Jonathan Gaona is charged with second-degree murder, two counts of abuse or neglect of a child resulting in serious injury, and first-degree child endangerment. Stephanie Hernandez, the child’s mother, is also charged with second-degree murder under Missouri’s felony-murder provision, as well as abuse or neglect of a child and child endangerment.
According to the probable cause statement, Gaona told investigators he was caring for the infant while Hernandez worked overnight shifts. He allegedly stated that he placed the baby in a bathtub, turned on hot water, became distracted by other children in the home, and walked away before hearing the infant scream. He admitted to returning her to a crib afterward and not seeking medical attention despite noticing skin peeling when he attempted to dry her.
Investigators say Gaona later searched online for how to treat baby burns but did not contact medical professionals. He also admitted to placing the infant to sleep on a makeshift pallet of blankets on top of a dresser because a bassinet was wet. An officer described the bedding as soaked with urine, covered in powder, and stained with dried feces and bodily fluids. An antiseptic cream was reportedly found within the blankets.
Authorities further allege that Gaona admitted to grabbing the infant by the ears and shaking her head during a moment of stress.
The Greene County medical examiner determined the cause of death was complications of thermal burns, with contributing factors including blunt force head injuries, acute pneumonia, and methamphetamine toxicity. The manner of death was ruled a homicide.
Investigators reported that drug testing on other children living in the home returned positive results for methamphetamine and amphetamines, and some tested positive for cannabinoids. Authorities state that both Gaona and Hernandez refused drug testing.
A woman living in the home told investigators she urged Gaona to call 911 when the infant was found unresponsive and said he begged her not to before she made the call herself.
On February 20, 2026, Hernandez was booked into the Greene County Jail. A warrant has been issued for Gaona’s arrest.

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