A 20-year-old man from Sedgwick County, Kansas, received a 74-year prison sentence for the fatal shooting of his pregnant girlfriend in 2024. Matthew Criscenzo shot Naomi Oglesby after she said she was leaving him, leaving their baby daughter with severe brain damage. The sentencing occurred on Tuesday before Sedgwick County District Judge Jeff Goering.
Matthew Criscenzo was convicted in February of premeditated first-degree murder, felony murder, kidnapping, and aggravated battery in the death of 20-year-old Naomi Oglesby. The shooting took place in May 2024 at his father's home in the 700 block of South Laura Avenue in Wichita. Oglesby, who was 37 weeks pregnant, had grabbed Criscenzo's PS5 controller and announced she was leaving, prompting him to shoot her in the head with a Glock 22 .40 caliber handgun, according to the arrest affidavit. Criscenzo's father heard the gunshot, found Oglesby on the ground, took the gun from his son, and called police. Criscenzo said, 'What did I do?' at the scene, the affidavit states. Medical staff delivered the baby girl, named Zy'nia, via emergency C-section; Oglesby died two minutes later. The infant survived but suffers severe brain trauma, cerebral palsy, and cannot swallow, her foster mother told the court. Judge Jeff Goering sentenced Criscenzo to 618 months to life for murder, plus additional terms totaling 74 years, denying a motion for a reduced sentence. 'Had he just let her leave the house, we wouldn't be here dealing with this tragedy today,' Goering said. Prosecutor Shannon Wilson argued for the maximum, stating Criscenzo 'ended her ability to be a mother to her child.' Naomi's sister, Ashley Stewart, said Zy'nia's life is permanently altered and she may never have a normal childhood. Criscenzo apologized in court, saying he never wanted Naomi to die or their child harmed. His defense cited a learning disorder, mental health issues, and substance abuse. Friends described Criscenzo as violent and controlling, with prior threats against Oglesby.