Parents Arrested on Murder Charges After Infant’s Death in Columbus
Two parents have been arrested on murder and child cruelty charges following the death of their infant earlier this month, Columbus Police Department (CPD) officials announced.
On March 2, 2025, at approximately 12:45 p.m., CPD officers responded to a report of an unresponsive infant. The child was transported to a local hospital, where they were pronounced deceased.
During the initial investigation, the child’s parents, Ariel Simmons and Ryan McMilleon, were taken into custody on unrelated charges. McMilleon was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and an outstanding warrant for contempt of court, while Simmons was arrested on a truancy warrant.
Following an investigation by CPD’s Special Victims Unit, additional evidence led to the issuance of warrants on March 17, 2025. Simmons and McMilleon were arrested the next day and charged with:
- Murder in the 2nd degree
- Cruelty to children in the 2nd degree
Both suspects remain in custody as the investigation continues.
