Man charged for son’s death pleads not guilty
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (Oct. 14, 2022) – The man police say killed his son by leaving him in a hot car for hours remains in the Tuscarawas County Jail after pleading not guilty to murder, involuntary manslaughter, and endangering children.
19-year-old Landon Parrott of New Philadelphia entered the plea when he appeared from the jail by video for his arraignment in Common Pleas Court Friday morning. It took place in the courtroom of Judge Michael Ernest, who continued the $250,000 cash or surety bond Parrott was being held on.
Police say Parrott placed his 14-month-old son in the back of a car parked in the driveway of his New Philadelphia home the morning of September 1st while the child’s mother was at work, went inside, and returned around five hours later to find him unresponsive. Parrott then drove to Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital, where staff tried unsuccessfully to revive the child before contacting authorities.
The judge will schedule a trial date during a telephone conference with the prosecution and Parrott’s public defender on November 4th.