Dad Escaped Burning Car and Left Daughter, 2, Inside to Die — Then Lied to Cops About Where She Was

An Ohio man has been sentenced to more than two decades in prison for the death of his 2-year-old daughter, who was found inside a burning car last year.

On Sept. 24, 2024, 2-year-old Lillyanna Stemen was discovered dead in a vehicle that had caught fire on a road in American Township, Ohio, according to an affidavit cited in court documents.

Her father, 34-year-old Nicholas Stemen, later pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including aggravated arson, involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment, according to court records referenced by Law & Crime.

The affidavit states that on the day of the incident, authorities responded to a report of a car driving erratically in Allen County before it came to a stop and burst into flames. When deputies from the Allen County Sheriff’s Office arrived, the vehicle was “fully engulfed in flames.”

Nicholas was standing outside the car and appeared “visibly upset” about the fire, investigators said. One responding officer noted that he had bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and smelled strongly of alcohol.

When asked if anyone was inside the vehicle, Nicholas told officers there was not, the affidavit says. During additional questioning, he acknowledged that he had a daughter but claimed she was with her grandfather at the time.

After firefighters extinguished the blaze, investigators searched the vehicle and found Lillyanna’s body inside. Officers realized the victim was a young girl when they observed blood and skin on her thighs.

Nicholas later admitted to officers that he had consumed at least 10 alcoholic drinks prior to the incident and said he had “blacked out,” according to the affidavit.

An online obituary described Lillyanna as a “loving, smart, outgoing, bubbly, and energetic little girl” whose hugs brought comfort to those around her. She loved goldfish crackers, grapes and playing at the park on the swings and slides. The tribute noted that “no one could say no to her or turn her down to play because she would give them ‘that look.’”

Nicholas was ultimately convicted of aggravated arson, involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment, according to the court records shared by Law & Crime. On Monday, Nov. 17, he was sentenced to a total term of 22 to 31 years in prison, with the sentences for each of the three convictions ordered to be served consecutively.