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

Judge in Michigan Banned from Presiding Over Felony Cases

Kirsten Nielsen Hartig (Oakland County). A Michigan judge, reportedly with a history…

Man Breaks Into Empty Police Station

Police were called to an unstaffed police station in Melbourne, where a…

Minnesota AG Opposes Effort to Pardon Derek Chauvin

Left: A photo showing Derek Chauvin restraining George Floyd, who died while…

Police Report: Lottery Winner Pretends to Be Dead to Escape Attacker

Inset: Pablo Figueroa being escorted by police following his 2024 arrest (KPTV).…

Urgent Search for Suspect After Baby Seal Found with Multiple Stab Wounds

This victim can’t speak for itself, can’t identify the attacker, and has…

Tragic Incident: Mother Fatally Struck by Accidental Gunfire into Home

Left inset: Ebenezer Worku (Larimer County Sheriff’s Office). Right inset: Jennifer James…

Man Kills Grandmother and Sets Her Body on Fire in Dispute Over Flea Medication

George Sisco (Pike County District Attorney’s Office). A Pennsylvania man will spend…

Armed Suspect at Large After Assault on Truck Driver in Sydney

A gunman is on the run after firing shots at a truck…

Diddy’s $10 Million Lawsuit Kicks Off Today, Jurors Express Concerns

A jury has been seated in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex-trafficking trial. Prosecutors…

Cherished Victorian Town’s Sacred Site and Tourist Attraction Found Vandalized

With a population of just over 200, everyone knows everyone in Cheshunt,…

Stolen Items Found Using GPS in Car Where Suspects Were Allegedly ‘Sleeping’

Staff report GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Two individuals, Jeremiah Patrick Oglesbee and Timerio…

Lawsuit Filed Against UCLA Geffen Medical School for Alleged Racial Bias in Admissions

UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine (YouTube). A class-action lawsuit has been…