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

Teen Causes Fatal Crash That Splits Car in Two, Police Say

Left: Alberto Oswaldo Yanez Quintana (Broward County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office). Right: Image…

Judge Cautions Trump Against Circumventing Injunction

President Donald Trump observes during a formal swearing-in ceremony for Paul Atkins…

Man Held Paralyzed Uncle Captive for 10 Years: Federal Authorities

Main: Brian K. Ditch (Dent County Sheriff’s Office). Inset: The garage where…

Child Discovered Unclothed on Street Amid Storm, Mother Detained: Authorities

Inset: Kaneesha Williams (Shreveport Police Dept.). Background: The location where Williams’ 3-year-old…

Florida Man Accused of Compelling Teen to Sign ‘Slave Contract’ Now Faces Charges of Attempted Murder

A man from Florida, awaiting sentencing after admitting to coercing a teenage…

Teen Coerced Into Signing ‘Slave’ Contract, Hit Orders Follow: Police Report

Clockwise from top left: Andrew Mustapick’s booking photo; Mustapick in a surveillance…

Kahleb Collins: Missing Alabama Toddler’s Remains Discovered in ‘Burn Pile’ at Family Residence

Remains believed to belong to an Alabama toddler who disappeared last year…

Home Nurse Accused of Abusive Behavior Toward Patient: Police Report

Nia Ayers (St. Cloud Police Department) A home health nurse in Florida…

Arrest Made Following Discovery of Body in Sydney’s Western Suburb Granny Flat

A 31-year-old man has been arrested after the body of a 65-year-old…

High School Hazing Incident Backfires: District Attorney Urges Involved Students to Surrender

In Syracuse, New York, a group of five younger students on the…

Judge Temporarily Blocks Order to Bring Back Second Man Deported in Error

President Donald Trump leaves after signing an executive order at an event…

Former Spin Bowler MacGill’s Downfall Following Cocaine Deal Conviction

Ex-Australian Test cricketer Stuart MacGill has been spared jail despite a “colossal…