Manhunt over for man charged with rape and murder of 13-month-old baby

Joshua Gurto, 37, had been on the run from police for three weeks after being charged with the October 7 rape and murder of 13-month-old Sereniti Jazzlyn-Sky Blankenship-Sutley, his girlfriend’s daughter. Police in Conneaut, Ohio, said that the baby girl died from blunt force trauma to her head and body. Police in Ohio questioned Gurto on the day of the baby’s death. Following that initial police interview, Gurto went on the lam and hid out in the woods before being captured and arrested on October 27 in the Franklin Park area of Pittsburgh around 1:30 a.m., according to CBS News.

Police were called to the baby girl’s apartment on October 7 following a report of an unresponsive child. The baby was transported to a nearby hospital where she was pronounce dead. Gurto was dating the child’s mother, 22-year-old Kelsie Blankenship, at the time. Police in Conneaut have confirmed the mom is not facing any charges, according to the Independent. Gurto was living in the apartment with Kelsie and the baby at the time of the baby’s rape and murder.

About one week after Gurto went on the run, he was spotted in the Erie, Pennsylvania, area. Then on October 27, he was spotted by a police officer in Franklin Park who recognized Gurto from his mugshot. At the time of his arrest, Gurto was wearing full camouflage and carrying a backpack. “The officer activated his patrol vehicle’s emergency lights and pointed a spotlight at Gurto, then got out of the vehicle, drew his pistol and ordered Gurto to the ground,” according to WPXI.

The arresting officer said that upon his arrest, Gurto confirmed his identity, did not resist and said that he was done running. Police say that inside his backpack, Gurto had a knife, a tent, and maps of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Following his arrest, he was transported to the Allegheny County Jail. Police expect that he will be extradited from Pennsylvania back to Ohio during the coming week.

“Sereniti was a loveable little girl who brought a smile to your face. Her personality was bright and her smile was contagious. She loved Scooby Doo, playing video games with her mom, and sleeping with her favorite monkey her grandma made for her. Although her time here was short, the lasting memories she brought to her family will forever be treasured.” ~ Obituary of Sereniti Blankenship-Sutley