A 27-year-old New York man has pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter in the death of his 16-month-old son, Isaac Benton, in Jamestown.
According to the Chautauqua County District Attorney’s Office, Matthew Nuttall admitted in court Wednesday that he caused the toddler’s death in April 2024. Authorities said detectives began investigating after being notified of a suspicious death at a Jamestown home.
Prosecutors stated that Isaac died from blunt force trauma. The Post-Journal reported that Nuttall became frustrated when the child would not stop crying and threw him into a portable crib, severing his spine.
Prosecutors Describe Severe Injuries
District Attorney Jason Schmidt called the case one of the most difficult his office has handled, describing the injuries as catastrophic.
“Isaac, only 16 months old, slammed onto a Pack ’n Play with such force that his spinal column came out in pieces during the autopsy,” Schmidt said in a statement.
Jamestown Police Sgt. Daniel Overend described the acts as “heinous,” expressing sympathy for the child’s family and emphasizing the importance of a proportionate sentence that reflects the seriousness of the crime.
Sentencing Scheduled
Nuttall had been scheduled to go to trial but instead entered a guilty plea. A judge is expected to sentence him on April 20.
Isaac, born Dec. 6, 2022, in Buffalo, was remembered in his obituary as a joyful child who loved the movie “Toy Story,” animals and playing outside. His family said the light he brought into their lives will be forever missed.
