Wichita Baby Dies From Blunt Force Injuries, Autopsy Confirms

Table of Contents

WICHITA, Kan. — A 3-week-old baby from Wichita, whose father is accused of her death, died due to blunt force injuries, as stated in an autopsy report. The report was obtained by KSN on Friday, detailing the tragic case of Mulani Howard, who passed away in September.

Mulani's father, Zachariah Howard, has been charged with first-degree murder and child abuse. The incident has sparked widespread concern and attention within the community.

According to the details provided in the autopsy report, Mulani was staying at her father’s house on the night of September 17. The following morning, Howard discovered that she was unresponsive and immediately sought medical assistance. She was taken to a hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.

The medical examiner identified at least two bruises on Mulani’s head, along with two potential bruises on her torso. Additionally, the report indicates that there was evidence of bleeding in her brain, eyes, and the membrane surrounding the brain. These findings were crucial in determining the cause of death.

The medical examiner concluded that the cause of death was blunt force injuries to the head, and the manner of death was classified as homicide. This determination highlights the severity of the injuries and the intent behind them.

Zachariah Howard is currently being held in jail, with a $250,000 bond set for his release. He is scheduled to appear in court again on January 14, where further legal proceedings will take place.

The case has drawn significant attention, not only because of the tragic loss of a young life but also due to the serious charges against the father. Community members are closely following the developments, hoping for justice and closure.

For those interested in staying updated with local news, there are several resources available. Readers can visit the website for more Kansas news or download the mobile app for real-time updates. Subscribers can also sign up for news email alerts to receive the latest breaking news directly in their inbox.

Weather updates and other services are also accessible through the Storm Track 3 Weather app, which provides accurate forecasts and alerts. Those interested in watching shows live can do so through the official website.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, visit KSN-TV.