A Reynoldsburg woman convicted in the death of a 5-month-old boy in her home daycare has been sentenced to life in prison, with the possibility of parole after 15 years.
Tammra R. Straughter, 54, was sentenced Wednesday, Oct. 7, in Franklin County Common Pleas Court for the death of Kashan Roman Crawford-Chatman, an infant who was in her care in October 2023. A jury convicted Straughter in August of murder and endangering children.
The sentence brings a nearly three-year legal case to its latest stage, after Kashan suffered severe injuries while at Straughter’s home daycare in Reynoldsburg.
What happened to Kashan
Kashan and his twin brother were born prematurely on April 25, 2023, and spent several weeks in neonatal intensive care before returning home.
On Oct. 9, their mother, Stacia Crawford, brought the twins to Straughter’s home, where she provided child care.
Several hours later, emergency crews were called to the residence after Kashan briefly stopped breathing. Straughter told Crawford that the baby had choked on formula and that she had patted him on the back before turning her attention to another child.
Kashan was taken for medical treatment, but his condition deteriorated. He was eventually transferred to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, where doctors found extensive injuries, including bruising and fractures.
The Franklin County Coroner’s Office later ruled Kashan’s death a homicide caused by a closed head injury consistent with shaken baby syndrome. He died on Oct. 13, 2023, at just 5 months old.
Evidence presented in the case
Investigators found deleted messages on Straughter’s phone in which she had complained about the twins being “fussy” while they were in her care.
Prosecutors also presented evidence that video from inside the home showed Kashan appearing well earlier in the day before his condition changed.
Investigators determined that Straughter was the only adult caring for Kashan, his twin brother and six other children at the time.
The case ultimately led to murder and child-endangerment charges, and Straughter was arrested in February 2024.
Jury conviction and sentence
After hearing the evidence, a Franklin County jury found Straughter guilty of both charges on Aug. 20, 2026.
Judge Bill Sperlazza then sentenced her to life in prison. Under the sentence, she can become eligible for parole after serving a minimum of 15 years. The court also credited her with 54 days of time already served.
During the sentencing hearing, Kashan’s parents spoke about the loss of their son and the trust they had placed in the person caring for him.
His father, Jontue Chatman, described the weight of knowing that his son had been left in someone’s care with the expectation that he would be protected.
Crawford also addressed the court, describing the grief and anger she has carried since Kashan’s death. She said she did not want the rest of her life to be centered on the woman who took her son’s life.
Kashan’s death has left his family mourning a child who had lived only a few months. His obituary described him as a smiling baby who brought joy to his family and was deeply loved by those around him.
The conviction and sentence now mark the latest chapter in a case that began with a medical emergency at a Reynoldsburg home daycare and ended with a murder conviction nearly three years later.
