Parma Man Accused Of Killing 5-Year-Old Son: Prosecutors

PARMA, OH — Matthew Ponomarenko has been accused of murdering his 5-year-old son.

A Cuyahoga County grand jury returned an indictment against Ponomarenko, 31, on Tuesday. He faces charges of aggravated murder and endangering children.

“It is tragic and unimaginable that a father could murder his own son,” said Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O’Malley. “Our thoughts remain with the victim’s family and friends as they grieve this tragedy.”

On March 25, 2021, Ponomarenko hit his 5-year-old son with a baseball bat multiple times, court documents said. He then called 911 and Parma police took the 31-year-old into custody.

The 5-year-old was found in the living room, with injuries to his head and face, court documents said. He was pronounced dead inside the Parma home.

Ponomarenko is currently being held at the Cuyahoga County Jail on a $5 million bond. He will be arraigned at the Cuyahoga County Justice Center later this week, prosecutors said.