When I was about seven months pregnant with my son, I began spotting. Up to this point I was excited about pregnancy and motherhood, but I was also so terrified that I made a “mistake” becoming a mom. The second I saw that blood, something primal kicked in, and I knew with my whole heart I wanted this. And not only that, but I also was willing to do anything to keep him safe. I can’t imagine allowing him to be in harm’s way, let alone causing the harm myself.
It’s hard for me, and most decent parents, to understand how fathers like Nicholas Stemen of Ohio exist. Stemen was sentenced to two years behind bars for the death of his 2-year-old daughter, Lillyanna Stemen, who was found dead inside a burning car on September 24, 2025.
An affidavit reviewed by People stated that police responded to a report of a car driving erratically on the road before it stopped and caught fire. When deputies arrived, the vehicle was “fully engulfed in flames” while Stemen stood outside the vehicle, reportedly “visibly upset.” Investigators noted he appeared to be intoxicated, adding that he had bloodshot red eyes, reeked of alcohol, and was slurring his speech.
Police directly asked Stemen if anyone else was in the car when he claimed there wasn’t, and during later questioning stated he had a daughter who was currently with her grandfather, per People. However, authorities uncovered her body while putting out the car fire.
Per the affidavit, Stemen admitted that he was “blackout drunk” from consuming at least 10 alcoholic drinks, the outlet reported. He pleaded guilty to several charges according to court records, including manslaughter and arson. He will serve more than two decades in prison, according to Law & Crime.
Lillyanna was remembered in an online obituary as a “source of joy” to her family, who described her as a “loving, smart, outgoing, bubbly, and energetic little girl.” She was also remembered for being a smart child who “spoke very well, knew her colors, shapes, and ABCs,” and had a deep love of snacks, grapes and goldfish being among her favorite. She also loved coloring, shopping, singing, and car rides.
Her obituary also stated that she is survived by her two sisters, extended family, and by her “loving parents.”
My heart aches for that mother and her children and, in a way, for the father too. This is purely speculative, but it seems to me he had an issue with addiction, and he’ll have to live with himself forever because of his poor decisions. I truly hope this family can heal and is held close by their friends, family, and community as the holiday season approaches.
