Left: Matthew Nuttall (Jamestown police). Right: Isaac Benton (Peterson Funeral Home).
A 27-year-old from New York has admitted to violently assaulting his 16-month-old son, resulting in the child’s spinal column being shattered during the autopsy.
On Wednesday, Matthew Nuttall entered a guilty plea to first-degree manslaughter for the death of his toddler, Isaac Benton, which occurred in Jamestown, located in upstate New York, as confirmed by the Chautauqua County District Attorney’s Office.
Law enforcement officials initiated an investigation on April 15, 2024, after receiving notice of a suspicious death that took place in a Jamestown residence two days prior. Investigators discovered that Isaac succumbed to blunt force trauma inflicted by his father at their home, leading to Nuttall’s arrest. As reported by The Post-Journal, Nuttall, frustrated by his son’s persistent crying, threw him into a portable crib with such force that it severed the child’s spine.
“Cases like this are the most devastating,” remarked District Attorney Jason Schmidt in a statement. “Isaac was just 16 months old when he was slammed into a Pack ‘n Play with such violence that his spinal column was fragmented during the autopsy.”
Nuttall, originally scheduled for trial on Tuesday, chose to plead guilty to the charges instead.
“The actions taken by Nuttall were nothing short of atrocious,” commented Jamestown Police Sgt. Daniel Overend.
“We cannot imagine the hurt that the victim’s family is going through and will go through as the sentencing process commences,” he said. “Justice is neither served by excess nor by leniency that diminishes the seriousness of wrongdoing. When consequences are proportionate, they affirm the rule of law, reinforce community standards, and provide clarity that actions carry appropriate responsibility. We remain committed to advocating for outcomes that reflect these principles, that the sentencing handed down by the court is reflective of the wrongdoing that Nuttall committed and justice is appropriately served.”
A judge is slated to sentence Nuttall on April 20.
Isaac was born on Dec. 6, 2022, in Buffalo, according to his obituary.
“Isaac loved the movie ‘Toy Story,’ animals, enjoyed playing outside, and walks in the park,” the obituary said. “He adored his cousins and grandparents. The light he brought into this world will be forever missed.”
