Ashwaubenon man arrested in daughter's death

ASHWAUBENON - An Ashwaubenon father made his first court appearance this afternoon in connection with the death of his baby daughter.

Investigators say a preliminary autopsy reveals two-month old Aiela Conklin likely suffocated.

Authorities say the baby's father, 30-year-old Scott Conklin, should be charged with first-degree reckless homicide. However, prosecutors have yet to file any charges.

“There is a crime here,” said Amy Pautzke, Assistant District Attorney for Brown County. “We're not alleging it’s an intentional act.”

Officials say on the morning of June 8, Conklin laid his daughter, Aiela, face down on his couch. An hour later, they say he found her without a pulse and tried to perform CPR. She was later pronounced dead at St. Vincent Hospital.

Ashwaubenon Public Safety arrested Conklin on Wednesday after learning he withdrew all of his money from his bank accounts and was possibly leaving the state for a job in Texas.

“We have reason to believe Mr. Conklin was part cause of the death,” said Lt. Jody Crocker of the Ashwaubenon Department of Public Safety.

In court, the prosecution shared concerns from Conklin's estranged wife. The concerns included previously putting their baby on her stomach and putting blankets and pillows on her to keep her quiet.

The couple also shares a two-and-half year-old daughter, who was at Conklin's apartment the morning Aiela died.

Conklin's attorney says his client maintains he is innocent.

“He absolutely denies the allegation that he caused his daughter's death and looks forward to answering these, at this point, uncharged allegations by the D.A.'s office,” said Craig Mastantuono, Conklin’s attorney, who is based out of Milwaukee.

The state asked for a $250,000 cash bond. However, the judge set Conklin's bail at $5,000 cash.

Conklin did post bond and is out of jail. He is due back in court on July 12.