An Illinois man, Steven Griffin, has been accused of subjecting his 16-year-old stepson, Daniel Garza, to horrific abuse and torture that ultimately led to the teenager’s death. Griffin has been indicted on first-degree murder and other charges related to the brutal treatment of the young boy.
The allegations against Griffin include throwing hot water on the teen, striking him in the head with nunchucks, stomping on his ankle, and depriving him of adequate food and water. The stepfather is also accused of inflicting burns on the boy and subjecting him to prolonged physical abuse.
According to prosecutors, the teen succumbed to blunt force trauma to his head and body, as well as severe malnutrition. When he was brought to St. John’s Hospital, he weighed only 94 pounds and had a body temperature of 86 degrees. The teenager also suffered from a brain bleed, extensive burns, bruises all over his body, and fractures to his shoulder blade and ankle.
Despite being transferred to a children’s hospital and later to Indianapolis for specialized care, the young boy tragically passed away on February 7. Griffin now faces charges of aggravated battery, aggravated domestic battery, endangering the life of a child, and abuse or neglect of a person with a disability in connection with the case.
In addition to these charges, Griffin is also implicated in a separate case involving sexual abuse and exploitation of a 16-year-old girl. The disturbing details of the abuse and torture inflicted on Daniel Garza have shocked the community and sparked outrage over the senseless tragedy. Griffin’s heinous actions have left a devastating impact on the lives of those who knew and loved the young victim.
