The sentence for a Reno man convicted in the murder of his two-week-old infant has been revealed.

Craig Melzo was sentenced to 50 years in prison, with eligibility for parole after 20 years.

That sentence is in line with the jury's recommendation. The defense chose to have the jury impose the sentence.

On April 3rd of 2020 Reno Police were dispatched to an infant, named Zayden, experiencing breathing complications. The infant was taken to Renown where they attempted life saving measures and ran tests.

The tests revealed Zayden was experiencing multiple brain bleeds and retinal hemorrhaging, indicating significant trauma.

Despite constant medical efforts by hospital staff, Zayden died on April 7th, 2020.

During the investigation multiple medical professionals determined the trauma Zayden suffered was from child abuse.

Reno Police Detectives determined Melzo was responsible for the abuse and his son's death.

Throughout the trial, medical experts that testified on behalf of the state shared that the internal damage done to Zayden was some of the worst they had ever seen in their careers.

At sentencing, Deputy District Attorney Nicole Hicks highlighted the extreme and catastrophic trauma Zayden experienced at the hands of his father and argued for the maximum sentence of life without the possibility of parole.

OCTOBER 8TH, 2023 UPDATE

A Reno man was sentenced to 50 years in prison after a jury convicted him of murdering his two-week-old child in 2020.

The Washoe County District Attorney's Office says 28-year-old Craig Melzo will be eligible for parole after serving 20 years. 

In April 2020, officers responded to West Sixth Street on a report of an infant not breathing. The infant was hospitalized due to head trauma and died four days later. 

AUGUST 26, 2020 UPDATE:

A man has pleaded not guilty to open murder of his two-week-old child. 

In April 2020, officers responded to West Sixth Street on a report of a two-week-old infant not breathing. The infant was hospitalized and died four days later. 

Officials served an arrest warrant for 25-year-old Craig Melzo Jr. in August 2020. 

Melzo's next court date has not been set. 

ORIGINAL STORY

The Reno Police Department says a man was arrested for open murder of an infant on Wednesday.

Officials said on April 3, officers responded to West Sixth Street on a report of a two-week-old infant not breathing.

They said the infant was hospitalized and died on April 7.

Detectives with the Robbery/Homicide and Sex Assault/Child Abuse Units conducted an investigation.

Officials said the Medical Examiner's Office completed an autopsy and determined the child died of non-accidental trauma.

On Wednesday, police responded to Hawthorne and served an arrest warrant for one count of open murder on the father of the child, 25-year-old Craig Melzo Jr.

Officials said the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information is urged to contact the Reno Police Department at (775) 334-2188 or Secret Witness at (775) 322-4900. You will remain anonymous.