A Las Vegas woman received a life sentence for torturing and killing a 4-year-old autistic boy.
On Wednesday, Crystal Stephens, aged 48, was sentenced by Clark County District Court Judge Michelle Leavitt to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Earlier this year, Stephens entered a plea deal for first-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping resulting in substantial bodily harm, and child abuse charges, which allowed her to avoid the death penalty.
“This might be the worst child homicide I’ve ever had,” prosecutor Chris Hamner said Wednesday, according to 8 News Now.
The victim, Brandon Steckler Jr., was murdered by Stephens in 2018. Prosecutors in Clark County revealed that at the time of his death, Steckler had multiple bruises and burns on his body, 27 rib fractures, signs of malnutrition, sepsis, pneumonia, and tested positive for methamphetamine.
During the court hearing, Brandon’s grandmother, Synthia Mosley, emotionally stated, “I hope she feels in every moment the consequences of what she’s done because we feel them in every heartbeat. 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.
