Catawba County father to serve at least 15 years in prison after toddler’s death

CATAWBA CO., N.C. – A Catawba County father will serve at least 15 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder more than a year after his toddler’s death.

Shayne Scronce was arrested in February of 2024 after his 16-month-old daughter died after she ingested drugs inside Scronce’s house. An autopsy revealed that the girl died of fentanyl and methamphetamine toxicity.

Scronce admitted to frequent drug use in the house, and said that he had used fentanyl before giving the toddler a bottle. He said he was asleep when the girl died.

The girl’s mother, Jennifer Clay, was also arrested and in the toddler’s death.