A 44-year-old Illinois man, Steven Griffin, faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder, related to the death of his 16-year-old stepson, Daniel Garza. Sangamon County State's Attorney John Milhiser announced the indictment, which includes eight counts against Griffin. The charges stem from allegations of severe abuse and neglect, culminating in Daniel's tragic death.
Steven Griffin is currently held in Sangamon County Jail. (Sangamon County Jail)
Prosecutors allege that Griffin subjected Daniel to horrific abuse, including blunt force trauma to the head and body, scalding him with hot water, striking him with nunchucks, and stomping on his ankle. Furthermore, they contend that Griffin withheld sufficient food and water from the teenager, contributing to his death by starvation.
The conditions in which Daniel was living remain under investigation. (iStock)
Daniel was admitted to St. John's Hospital on January 27th in critical condition. He was unresponsive, not breathing, severely underweight at 94 pounds, and hypothermic with a body temperature of 86 degrees. Medical examinations revealed a subdural hemorrhage, burns, extensive bruising, and fractures. He was subsequently transferred to St. Louis Children's Hospital and later to a specialized care facility in Indianapolis, where he passed away on February 7th.
The investigation into Daniel's death is ongoing. (iStock)
Griffin and Daniel moved to Springfield, Illinois, with Daniel's mother, Kristin, from Washington state in November. The family had reportedly been residing in hotels. Kristin Griffin also faces charges of endangering the life and health of a child and abuse or criminal neglect of a person with a disability in connection with her son’s death. In a separate case, Steven Griffin faces additional charges related to a 16-year-old girl from Springfield, including aggravated criminal sexual abuse and indecent solicitation of a child.
