A 20-year-old Kansas man has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder after allegedly shooting his pregnant girlfriend in the head because he feared she was going to leave him. Prosecutors say Matthew Criscenzo killed 20-year-old Naomi Oglesby on May 25 at his father’s home in Wichita, just weeks before she was due to give birth.
Fatal Shooting at Father’s Home
Court records show the fatal incident unfolded after an argument over a video game controller. According to Criscenzo’s arrest affidavit, Oglesby grabbed his PlayStation 5 controller and turned it off while saying she was leaving.
Criscenzo allegedly pointed a Glock .40 caliber handgun at her. She tried to swat it away, but the weapon fired, striking her in the head. His father, who was baking a cheesecake at the time, told police he heard the gunshot from his bedroom and rushed out to find Oglesby on the floor with Criscenzo standing over her.
The father said he disarmed his son, placed the gun on the porch, and called 911.
Baby Delivered in Emergency C-Section
Oglesby was 37 weeks pregnant. Doctors performed an emergency C-section and delivered her baby girl, Zy’nia, just minutes before Oglesby was pronounced dead.
Medical staff said the newborn suffered severe brain damage due to lack of oxygen, was intubated, and has experienced seizures. According to a GoFundMe page created by family, doctors warned she may not survive or have any quality of life.
Chilling Statements to Police
Police say Criscenzo made several incriminating remarks before and after his arrest, including:
“I can’t believe I did this, just f—ing kill me.”
“I didn’t want to, I didn’t mean to, I just didn’t want her to go.”
“She loved me and I killed her.”
“Why did I even have my finger on the trigger? I know finger discipline.”
While alone in an interview room, he reportedly talked to himself, insisting the shooting was an accident, though investigators noted his shifting explanations.
History of Domestic Violence
A friend of Oglesby told investigators she had witnessed Criscenzo assaulting her about a week before the killing. During that incident, he allegedly bit Oglesby’s hand, pulled a gun, and threatened to kill her while under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
Charges and Next Court Date
Criscenzo has been charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder, and aggravated battery. He is being held without bond in Sedgwick County Jail, with his next court appearance scheduled for October 8.
The killing of Naomi Oglesby has left her family and community devastated, especially as her baby now fights for survival. Prosecutors say the case reflects both intimate partner violence and reckless use of firearms.
As Criscenzo awaits trial, Oglesby’s loved ones are left mourning a young woman described as a “beautiful soul taken too soon” while praying for the fragile life of her daughter.
