A 23-year-old Utah man could spend the rest of his life in prison after pleading guilty in connection with the abuse and death of his 12-year-old brother.
Tyler Peterson appeared in a Weber County courtroom after previously pleading guilty to child abuse homicide, two counts of aggravated child abuse and obstruction of justice in the death of Gavin Peterson. Gavin died of sepsis on July 9, 2024, according to a probable cause affidavit filed in the case.
An examination of the boy’s body showed severe malnutrition, with investigators stating that his internal organs had shut down completely.
Allegations of Prolonged Abuse
According to the affidavit, Tyler called emergency services the day Gavin died. Investigators later determined that he had texted his father about 20 minutes earlier to report that Gavin had stopped breathing. Surveillance footage reportedly showed Tyler making multiple trips to a backyard shed after speaking with his father and before calling 911.
Authorities allege those trips were to hide surveillance cameras that had been used to monitor Gavin while he was locked inside an empty room for most of the day. The room reportedly had no rug, bed or blankets, and investigators said there was a locking mechanism that prevented the child from leaving.
Images recovered from a co-defendant’s phone allegedly showed Gavin wearing only a heavily saturated diaper while curled up on the carpetless floor. Investigators also found text messages among Tyler, his father Shane Peterson, and his stepmother Nichole Scott discussing the abuse, including references to using a piñata stick.
Courtroom Arguments and Sentence
Tyler’s father and stepmother were sentenced last year in connection with the case. At Tyler’s sentencing hearing, his defense team argued that he was neurodivergent and had also been victimized. His mother submitted a letter asking the court to allow him to continue treatment at home rather than in prison.
Prosecutors countered that Tyler was an active and willing participant in the abuse. Judge Camille Neider ultimately agreed with the prosecution, calling the case one of the most difficult of her career.
She sentenced Tyler to five years to life for child abuse homicide, one to 15 years for each count of aggravated child abuse, and one to 15 years for obstruction of justice. The sentences will run concurrently, and he will receive credit for 246 days already served. Under Utah law, he could be eligible for release after five years.
An attorney for Tyler did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
