Left: Murtadah Mohammad (Manchester Police Department). Right: Jaevion Riley (New Hampshire Department of Justice).
A father has received a prison sentence for the tragic death of his 7-year-old son, attempting to pass off the severe burns that killed the child as a mere accident from a spill.
Murtadah Mohammad, age 27, faces 45 years to life in prison for the charge of second-degree murder, according to New Hampshire’s Department of Justice announcement on Tuesday. Additionally, he received a two-to-four year sentence for falsifying evidence, which will be suspended for a decade after his release, provided he stays crime-free. Mohammad entered a guilty plea on April 1.
Authorities in Manchester stated they responded to a call on the morning of January 17 at a residence on Eastern Avenue. They were informed that the young victim, Jaevion Riley, age 7, had suffered extensive burns to his face and body, was unresponsive, and not breathing.
“The hospital described his injuries as torture, mutilation and brutalization,” Jaevion’s mother, Rainah Riley, told NBC Boston at the time.
She described there being burns, a kicked-out tooth, and blunt force trauma to Jaevion’s head.
“This man was trying to kill my child,” she reportedly told authorities.
Police have said that Mohammad claimed to be in the shower, and that he did not see how his son got hurt. Investigators, however, said they did not find signs of anyone recently taking a shower.
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Authorities said that Mohammad staged a spill accident as the cause of his son’s scalding injuries. Ultimately, he admitted in court to physically abusing his son and not seeking timely help for his injuries.
“This was a heartbreaking case, and today’s sentence reflects the severity of the defendant’s actions,” Attorney General John M. Formella said in a statement Tuesday. “We are deeply grateful to the trial team, investigators, and Manchester Police for their hard work and dedication in securing justice for Jaevion Riley. While no sentence can undo this tragedy, we hope it offers some measure of accountability and closure.”
