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

Tragic Driveway Accident in New Jersey: Unlicensed Driver Fatally Hits Infant

A New Jersey mother is facing charges after she allegedly ran over…

Police Chief: Trump Will Not Pardon Derek Chauvin

Left: Derek Chauvin is shown detaining George Floyd, who passed away while…

Doctor Accused of Assaulting Patients and Abusing Corpse

Christopher Davis (Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General). A doctor in Pennsylvania has…

Murderer snapped selfies wearing victim’s gold jewelry: DA

Inset: Marcuss Ealy (Miami-Dade County). Background: Prosecutors presenting selfies that Marcuss Ealy…

Diddy’s Alleged ‘Obama’s Ecstasy’ Habit Introduces ‘Other Woman’ Defense

On the witness stand today were David James, previously Sean Combs’ personal…

Hospital Disputes Patient’s Account in Alleged Surgery Mishap

Allina Health Abbot Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Google Maps) A Minnesota…

Cassie’s Mother Claims Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Requested Over $30,000

An angry Sean “Diddy” Combs demanded US$20,000 (A$31,150) from Casandra “Cassie” Ventura’s…

Kid Cudi to Testify in Diddy’s Sex Trafficking Trial

Rapper Kid Cudi is reportedly expected to testify against Sean “Diddy” Combs…

Father Shoots Three Sons in Dispute Over Vehicle, Say Police

Background: News coverage of the Ruskin, Fla. residence linked to the alleged…

Mother Accused of Stabbing 7-Year-Old Son Over a Mess, Authorities Report

Inset: Llovana Torres (Chicago Police Department). Background: Apartment complex where Torres allegedly…

Police Report: Man Uses GPS-Tracked Dummy in Attempt to Flee Treatment Center

Background: News footage showcasing the St. Peter Treatment Center in St. Peter,…

Man on Probation in Trenton Arrested for Brandishing Gun in Dispute

Staff report GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Dakota Michael George, a 24-year-old resident of…