OAKLAND, Tenn. (WMC) – A jury has returned a guilty verdict against an Oakland man in connection with the 2022 death of a 7-month-old infant and the severe injury of his twin sibling, according to the Oakland TN Police Department.
The incident occurred on June 23, 2022, when 7-month-old Max Long was taken to a Memphis hospital by his parents and was pronounced dead.
During the investigation, agents identified the boy’s parents, Ashley Long, 32, and Christopher Gardner, 42, as the individuals responsible for the child’s death and the suspected abuse and neglect of their three other young children while at their home in the 100 block of Laurel Street.
Christopher Gardner, 42(TBI)
Following the investigation, the case went to trial on August 4 and August 5 at the Fayette County Criminal Justice Complex. After two days of testimony and the presentation of physical evidence, the jury found Gardner guilty of first-degree murder in the perpetration of aggravated child neglect and first-degree murder in the perpetration of aggravated child abuse, and two counts of aggravated child endangerment/abuse.
Gardner’s sentencing is scheduled for October 1, 2026.
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