Share this @internewscast.com

A Las Vegas woman received a life sentence for torturing and killing a 4-year-old autistic boy.

On Wednesday, Clark County District Court Judge Michelle Leavitt handed down a life sentence without parole to 48-year-old Crystal Stephens. Earlier this year, in February, Stephens agreed to a plea deal on charges of first-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping resulting in substantial bodily harm, and child abuse, which spared her the death penalty.

“This might be the worst child homicide I’ve ever had,” prosecutor Chris Hamner said Wednesday, according to 8 News Now.

Stephens was responsible for the death of Brandon Steckler Jr. in 2018. At the time of his passing, Clark County prosecutors revealed that his body was covered with numerous bruises and burns, and he had 27 fractured ribs. Additionally, he suffered from malnutrition, sepsis, pneumonia, and tested positive for methamphetamine.

“I hope she feels in every moment the consequences of what she’s done because we feel them in every heartbeat,” Brandon’s grandmother, Synthia Mosley, expressed to the court. “The hole his absence has left behind is as immeasurable as the love he gave so freely.”

Brandon’s mother, who lived at a shelter, had asked Stephens to care for her son. Three weeks later, Stephens killed him.

After her arrest, investigators found drug residue and paraphernalia in Stephens’ home, court documents revealed. Stephens reportedly told police that Brandon had drowned.

During Wednesday’s hearing, Stephens told Judge Leavitt that she took full responsibility for her actions and was committed to maintaining her mental health and sobriety, the Review-Journal reports.

“I’m terribly sorry for my horrific actions,” Stephens said.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Unveiling the Timeline: Ongoing Search for Missing Chicago Special Education Teacher Linda Brown

The search for a missing special education teacher from Chicago is still…

Latest Developments in Colonial Parkway Murders: Fresh DNA Connections and CODIS Involvement

The Colonial Parkway murders, a notorious series of crimes in Virginia, continue…

Unresolved Mystery of Dentist and Wife’s Murder: Mysterious Door-Banging Incident While Children Slept

It was an ordinary day at Athens Dental Depot in Columbus, Ohio,…

Unapproved Reagan-Era Attorney Causes Stir by Unexpectedly Representing Nicolas Maduro in Court

Left: Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro addresses civilians taking an oath to join…

Alachua County Minor Faces Charges for Alleged Mass Shooting Threat in Ohio

Statement from Alachua County Sheriff’s Office ALACHUA COUNTY, Fla. – On the…

Fatal Shooting Incident Occurs Inside Sydney’s Western Unit

A man has tragically lost his life following a shooting inside his…

Daycare Employees Charged with Abusing Non-Verbal Children in Disturbing Incident

Background: The Happy Hearts Christian Academy Daycare in Daleville, Alabama (WTVY/YouTube). Insets…

Shocking Breakup Tragedy: Woman Shoots 4-Year-Old Amidst Violent Threats

Inset left: Joanna Chalup Cortez (Maricopa County Sheriff”s Office). Inset right: Qahsiem…

Man Abandons Pregnant Partner with Brain Injury, Citing Leg Brace as Reason to Avoid Incarceration

A Michigan man faces assault charges following allegations that he violently attacked…

Man Escapes Captor by Ingeniously Using Extracted Teeth to Cut Through Duct Tape

Shah Powell (center, in tan jumpsuit) at his sentencing hearing on Jan.…

Shocking Assault: Father Arrested for Attacking Infant with Hot Soup and Woman with Chili Oil

An Idaho man was taken into custody on Tuesday, accused of assaulting…

Community Urges Judicial Intervention as Concerns Over Violence Escalate Following Fatal Shooting by ICE Agent

Background: Demonstrators face off with law enforcement officers outside the Bishop Henry…