A disturbing case of child abuse and neglect unfolds in West Haven, Utah, as a stepmother faces justice for her role in the death of her 12-year-old stepson.

According to Daily Mail, Nichole Lea Scott, 51, broke down in tears on Monday while pleading guilty to murder and multiple counts of child abuse that led to the death of Gavin Peterson in July 2024.

The case involves a horrific pattern of abuse spanning several years, where Scott, along with the boy's father, Shane Peterson, 47, and older brother, Tyler Peterson, 22, subjected the child to extreme malnutrition and confinement. The three suspects maintained a cruel system of surveillance and restriction, monitoring the boy through cameras while limiting his access to food, water, and basic necessities.

Systematic abuse revealed through digital evidence

Text messages and surveillance footage uncovered by investigators painted a disturbing picture of Gavin's final days. The evidence showed the suspects discussing strict limitations on the child's food and water intake, often providing only a piece of bread with mustard and one-third cup of water.

Investigators discovered multiple cameras monitoring Gavin's room, with screenshots from Scott's phone revealing the boy's deteriorating condition. The images showed him wearing only a saturated diaper, lying on a bare floor without bedding or blankets, while visible sores developed on his back.

The room's door featured an external locking mechanism, effectively imprisoning the child. Text messages between the suspects detailed discussions about restricting bathroom access and administering physical punishment, including the use of a "piñata stick."

Medical emergency leads to tragic discovery

Deputies responded to the West Haven home on July 9 after receiving reports of the boy being unresponsive and experiencing prolonged vomiting. Despite attempts to resuscitate Gavin, who was found on the bathroom floor, he later died at the hospital.

Medical examination revealed that severe malnutrition had caused complete organ failure. The child's body showed visible signs of emaciation, confirming the extended period of starvation and neglect.

Text messages between Tyler and his father Shane documented the moments leading to the emergency call, with Tyler seeking instructions after discovering Gavin was not breathing. Surveillance footage also captured Tyler making multiple trips to a backyard shed during this time.

Legal proceedings and accountability

Both Shane and Tyler Peterson entered guilty pleas on March 20 to child abuse homicide and additional charges. The men acknowledged the factual basis of the charges, confirming the systematic abuse detailed in investigator statements.

Scott's emotional plea on Monday included admitting to murder, three counts of intentional aggravated child abuse, two counts of obstruction of justice, child endangerment, and possession of a controlled substance. The severity of the charges reflects the calculated nature of the abuse.

The court has scheduled sentencing for both Scott and Shane Peterson on May 12, marking the final phase of legal proceedings in this tragic case.

From abuse to justice in haunting case

Nichole Lea Scott faces sentencing after admitting to her role in the death of 12-year-old Gavin Peterson through prolonged starvation and abuse in West Haven, Utah. Along with the boy's father and older brother, she participated in a systematic pattern of abuse that included surveillance, food restriction, and physical confinement, ultimately leading to the child's death in July 2024. The three suspects await sentencing, with Scott and Shane Peterson's hearing scheduled for May 12, while all have entered guilty pleas acknowledging their roles in the tragic death.