A Las Vegas woman, Crystal Stephens, aged 48, has been sentenced to life in prison without parole after pleading guilty to the 2018 murder of 4-year-old Brandon Steckler Jr., a nonverbal child with autism. The sentencing took place on Wednesday, May 7, in Clark County District Court, according to reports from KLAS and the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Plea Deal Avoided Death Penalty
Stephens accepted a plea deal earlier this year, which allowed her to avoid the death penalty. As part of the agreement, she pleaded guilty to three serious charges:
- First-degree murder
- First-degree kidnapping with bodily harm
- Child abuse
Judge and Prosecutors Describe Case as Among the Worst
During the sentencing, Judge Michelle Leavitt handed down the life sentence. Chief Deputy District Attorney Christopher Hamner told the court, “This might be the worst child homicide I’ve ever had.”
Stephens, who reportedly cried during sentencing, told the court she was “terribly sorry” for her actions and said she takes full responsibility for what happened.
Details of the Child’s Death
Brandon Steckler Jr., who was known to his father as “Tuku” and “happy feet,” was found on July 30, 2018, with severe injuries. He was burned and bruised, and later died in the hospital the next day.
According to court records cited by media outlets:
- He had 27 rib fractures
- His liver was lacerated
- He had a collapsed lung, broken collarbone, and possible rat bites
- He had methamphetamine in his system
- He was suffering from malnutrition, sepsis, and pneumonia
Stephens had claimed that the boy drowned, but drug residue and paraphernalia were found in her home. She was reportedly caring for both Brandon and his sister at the time.
Child Protective Services Had Prior Reports
Records show that Child Protective Services (CPS) had been contacted five times in the past with concerns about Brandon and his family. However, only one investigation was conducted, which found the claims unsubstantiated, according to a state report.
Heartbreaking Statements from Family
Brandon’s father, Brandon Steckler Sr., remembered his son fondly:
“I will say his story long after he’s dead and gone, because that is my boy, and he will always be in my heart.”
His grandmother, Synthia Mosley, added:
“I hope Stephens feels in every moment the consequences of what she’s done, because we feel them in every heartbeat.”
She also said, “The hole his absence has left behind is as immeasurable as the love he gave so freely.”
The murder of Brandon Steckler Jr. is a heartbreaking example of a child whose life was taken too soon, despite earlier warning signs. The court’s decision brings a measure of justice, but his family continues to feel the deep pain of his absence. This tragedy also highlights the importance of taking child protection reports seriously and ensuring stronger systems are in place to safeguard vulnerable children.
If you suspect child abuse, please contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
