A Texas woman has been sentenced to prison for her role in the death of her 12-year-old stepson, who prosecutors said was forced to do push-ups until his muscles broke down.
Stepmother Sentenced in Boy’s Death
Kapri Cheatom, 31, pleaded guilty to injury to a child causing serious bodily injury.
A judge sentenced her to 20 years in prison, the maximum sentence allowed.
Boy Died After Extreme Punishment
Authorities said 12-year-old Danilo Coles was taken to a hospital in February 2022 after becoming unresponsive at the family’s San Antonio home.
His father initially claimed the boy had fallen in the shower.
Doctors later found severe injuries, including whipping marks, internal bleeding, and damage to his skin.
Push-Ups Led to Fatal Condition
Investigators said Danilo was forced to perform “military-style” push-ups for hours while also being punished physically.
The medical examiner ruled his death was caused by rhabdomyolysis, a condition where damaged muscle tissue releases toxins into the bloodstream and can lead to organ failure.
Father Already Sentenced
Danilo’s father, Derrick Coles, was convicted in 2025 and sentenced to 45 years in prison.
Prosecutors argued Cheatom actively participated in the abuse, while her defense claimed she failed to stop it.
During sentencing, the judge told Cheatom she failed to protect the child.
