An investigation into injuries sustained by the two-year-old daughter of Ohio Congressman Max Miller has concluded without identifying a suspect, according to police records. The child, whose father is endorsed by former President Donald Trump, was found to have a broken collarbone and a bruise resembling a handprint on her shoulder in February. X-rays confirmed the fracture, and doctors noted the markings suggested the toddler may have been grabbed from behind.
Child welfare officials were alerted by hospital staff and initiated a parallel investigation with police to determine if the injuries were deliberately inflicted. Detectives focused on a five-day period when the child was in the care of both Miller and his ex-wife, Emily Moreno. However, investigators were unable to establish when or where the fracture occurred.
A child protection specialist initially told police the girl had been with her father when she was hurt and indicated the injury appeared to have been 'inflicted by dad.' Moreno told detectives that her daughter had stated her father's home was 'scary' and that her father was 'angry.' The child's nanny also reported that the girl identified the color red, associated with anger, with her father using emotion toys.
Moreno had previously made abuse allegations against Miller in May, claiming he had thrown scalding water at her and held a gun to her head while she changed their daughter's diaper. She did not file a formal complaint at that time. Miller has denied harming his daughter.
Initially, Miller suggested the injury could have been caused by a car-seat strap or sudden braking. Investigators ruled out the car-seat theory, stating it did not match the bruise pattern and that the injury would have required significant impact. Miller later accused Moreno of being responsible for the injuries.
Police reviewed library footage that showed the child using both arms after leaving Miller's home, but the report did not clarify if this footage was considered in relation to the timing of the injury. Ultimately, child welfare officials found the abuse claim against Miller unsubstantiated, designated the suspected perpetrator as unknown, and closed the case.
The allegations and the subsequent investigation have become a point of attention in the race for Miller's Ohio Republican seat.