A New York judge sentenced Anthony Waldron to 29 years in prison for the brutal death of his 17-year-old stepson, Jordan Brooks.
Brooks suffered from cerebral palsy, but instead of providing proper care, Waldron and the boy's mother, Lisa Waldron, ignored his needs, leading to his tragic demise in 2021.
Despite his weight plummeting by half in just eight months and visible signs of neglect, Brooks' cries for help went unheard. Teachers reported his deteriorating condition as early as 2018, but Child Protective Services failed to intervene.
According to authorities, Brooks' body was covered in bed sores, his skin riddled with protruding metal implants, and he would sit for days in soiled diapers. He even revealed once going 11 days in his wheelchair without being put to bed.
The graphic details of Brooks' suffering deeply affected the Acting District Attorney, Mark Moody. He described the case as the most horrific he had ever seen in his 26 years of experience, stating that Waldron "ignored a child to death."
Waldron's defense argued that he had no legal obligation to act as a father due to not adopting Brooks. However, prosecutors pointed to his presence in Brooks' life since he was seven months old and the boy's perception of him as his father.
Waldron's sentence comes after Lisa Waldron was already sentenced to 20 years in state prison and a two-year federal term for her role in the tragedy. She pleaded guilty to first-degree assault, second-degree manslaughter, and illegally collecting Brooks' Social Security benefits after his death.
Prosecutors highlighted Lisa's lack of remorse, noting that she misused the funds even when her son lived and showed no signs of mourning after his death.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable children and holding those responsible for their neglect accountable.
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