LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — An Elida man charged with the death of his daughter pleaded guilty to some of the charges a week before his trial was set to begin.
Nicholas Stemen, 34, pleaded guilty to aggravated arson, involuntary manslaughter, and endangering children charges in connection with the death of his 2-year-old daughter, Lillyanna.
As part of the plea deal, a murder charge and another endangering children charge were dropped. Stemen agreed to a minimum prison sentence of 22 years, according to the agreement with prosecutors.
In September 2024, Allen County Sheriff's deputies spotted Stemen swerving and driving on a wheel rim. The car caught fire, and Stemen got out safely. After the fire was extinguished, deputies discovered Lillyanna’s body in the back seat.
Stemen is scheduled to be sentenced in November.
