Prosecutors say Amanda Jo Bunner abused and killed her son Jaxon. However, seven years would pass before she was finally charged with the crime.
AKRON, Ohio — A 35-year-old Akron woman has been found guilty of murder in the death of her 2-year-old son nearly a decade ago.
Amanda Jo Bunner was convicted by a Summit County jury following a weeklong trial, with her sentencing scheduled for March 27. She has been found guilty of the killing of her son Jaxon and could potentially face a life sentence.
According to prosecutors, in April 2016, Jaxon was left alone with his mother in their residence when he sustained “severe head trauma.” Amanda Jo Bunner reportedly delayed calling 911 for approximately 15 minutes. Jaxon was later pronounced dead at Akron Children’s Hospital, where medical experts determined that he had succumbed to a “massive subdural hematoma.” Furthermore, investigators revealed that the child was severely malnourished and exhibited bruises all over his body, indicating a history of abuse.
Despite the initial details surrounding Jaxon Bunner’s tragic demise, it took seven years for authorities to apprehend and charge Amanda Jo Bunner with his murder. As per court records, a grand jury was convened secretly to review the case, ultimately issuing indictments against her in late April 2023.
“The death of Jaxon Bunner was a preventable tragedy, and my sympathies go out to his family. There is no tolerance for child abuse in Akron, and it breaks my heart every time a case like this comes to our office,” Summit County Prosecutor Elliot Kolkovich said in a statement following Monday’s verdict. “I want to thank the vigilant employees at Akron Children’s Hospital for recognizing the signs of abuse, and the efforts of the Akron Police Department and my assistant prosecutors for their work in this case.”
Summit County Common Pleas Judge Kathryn Michael will issue Bunner’s sentence.
