An hour before he called 911, his phone shows he was searching "how do you know if a baby is dead."
Austin Stevens was convicted in March 2022 of murdering his 10-month-old daughter, Zara Scruggs, in Lower Providence Township, Pennsylvania, in October 2020. A jury deliberated for just 90 minutes before finding him guilty.
What Happened
On the night of October 3, 2020, Stevens called 911 to report Zara unresponsive at his apartment. Given her age, we won't detail the specific injuries here beyond confirming that a subsequent coroner's investigation determined she had been sexually assaulted and had sustained blunt force trauma to the head, and that her death was ruled a homicide.
A Troubling Timeline
Investigators found that in the roughly hour-long window before Stevens called 911, his phone showed searches including "how do you know if a baby is dead," "what if you don't hear a baby heartbeat," and "my baby isn't breathing." During that same window, records showed he had also been messaging with two women unrelated to Zara's condition. Responding officers described Stevens as notably calm and unhelpful at the scene, at one point handing an officer performing CPR the wrong piece of medical equipment.
Charges and Trial
Stevens was charged with first-degree murder, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, aggravated assault, and endangering the welfare of a child. At his March 2022 trial, prosecutors argued the evidence painted a picture of deliberate abuse followed by an attempt to delay getting help. The jury took approximately 90 minutes to convict him on all major charges.
Sentencing
Stevens was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, the mandatory sentence for first-degree murder in Pennsylvania. He said nothing in court at the close of his trial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Austin Stevens convicted?
Yes. A jury convicted him of first-degree murder and related charges in March 2022, and he was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
What led investigators to charge him?
A coroner's investigation determined Zara's death was a homicide involving sexual assault, and phone records showed Stevens had searched for information about infant death shortly before calling 911.
Has Stevens appealed his conviction?
Records show an appeal was filed with the Pennsylvania Superior Court; his life sentence has remained in place.