Merrick's daughter, Joani Marie Merrick, was born premature, and even at 3-months-old, prosecutors said she was the size of a newborn when her father hurt her.
Merrick cried through when he was sentenced and let his lawyer speak on his behalf. "He has told me, and I'm using a quote, that if he could trade places with her, he obviously would," said John Scott.
Police said Merrick first injured his daughter in a Kettering apartment in April. Then in May, he did it again, giving her multiple broken ribs, two broken legs, retinal hemorrhages and hemotomas.
Doctors said the harm he did is permanent and that the infant could suffer paralysis, blindness, cerebral palsy and other effects.
Asst. Prosecuting Attorney Mary Montgomery said, "Her chance of ever having any meaningful life is gone."
Prosecutors told News Center 7 that if Merrick's daughter dies, they will be back in court to pursue murder charges against him.