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

Breaking News: Hollywood Executive’s Son Accused of Murdering Family Found Dead in Jail Cell

A California man who was charged with murdering and dismembering his wife…

Man Allegedly Kills Ex-Wife’s Partner During Karaoke Performance, Authorities Report

Left inset: Richard Lindgren (Orangeburg County Jail). Right inset: Benjamin Hawk (GoFundMe).…

Man Sentenced to Prison for Killing Father-in-Law in Child’s Presence

Inset: Ruben Pioquinto (Manatee County Jail). Background: Home in Bradenton, Florida, where…

Shooter Kills 2 and Injures 2 in Kentucky Church Following State Trooper Attack

A Kentucky mother and daughter were killed and their husbands injured on…

Man Passes Away in Ambulance Amid Efforts to Calm Him by Police and Paramedics

A critical incident has been declared after a man died in an…

A TikTok video featuring a drill sergeant wearing ‘MAGA’ gear prompts an investigation

Inset: The MAGA banner seen above soldiers’ heads in one of Staff…

Police report: Man allegedly shoots wife in her bedroom over claims of ‘disrespect’

Background: News footage from Plainfield, Ind. where Evelie LaCroix was discovered deceased…

Father’s Urgent Quest: Is Ava Grace, 6-Year-Old TikTok Star, Missing?

Social media is buzzing with intrigue as conspiracy theories suggest that Ava…

Father Fatally Injures 4-Year-Old Son Following Dispute Over PlayStation, Police Report

Left: Ralph Taylor Jr. Right: Casandra Taylor (Milwaukee County Jail). Two parents…

True Crime Blogger Receives Sentence for Neglecting Mother While Managing Website

A woman from Wisconsin received a very short prison term after she…

Breaking News: ‘American Idol’ Executive and Spouse Discovered Dead in Their Home Shortly After Armed Suspect Sighting Nearby

California police are investigating an apparent double homicide after a couple was…

Mother Attends Court in Support of Police Officer Son as Double-Murder Trial Is Postponed

The mother of a former police officer accused of murdering two men…