An Illinois man has been charged with first-degree murder and multiple related offenses after the tragic death of his 16-year-old stepson, Daniel Garza. The boy’s death came just a week after he was discovered unresponsive, showing signs of severe abuse, including brutal beatings, burns, and starvation.
Steven Griffin, 44, faces serious charges from the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office, which accuses him of inflicting prolonged torture on Garza. Prosecutors allege that Griffin subjected the teenager to horrific treatment, including throwing hot water on him, striking him with nunchucks, and stomping on his ankle. Additionally, he is accused of neglecting the boy’s basic needs by failing to provide adequate food and water.
On January 27, authorities found Garza at St. John’s Hospital, where he was admitted weighing only 94 pounds and with a dangerously low body temperature of 86 degrees. Medical examinations revealed that he suffered from blunt force trauma to both his head and body, along with significant malnutrition. His injuries included a brain bleed, burns on his face, neck, and chest, extensive bruising, and fractures to his shoulder blade and ankle.
The teenager was later transferred to a specialized children’s hospital in Indianapolis, where he succumbed to his injuries on February 7. Prosecutors have stated that the cause of death was attributed to the severe physical abuse and starvation he endured.
In addition to the murder charge, Griffin is facing charges of aggravated battery, aggravated domestic battery, and endangering the life or health of a child. He is also implicated in a separate case involving sexual abuse and exploitation of a 16-year-old girl.
The case has drawn significant attention, highlighting the grave issue of child abuse and the failures in protective systems that can lead to such tragedies. As the legal proceedings unfold, the community is left grappling with the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking event.