The Illinois man faces several charges, including murder, in connection with allegations that long-term abuse and torture led to the death of his 16-year-old son-in-law.
Stephen Griffin, 44, was charged with eight counts including first-degree murder after the death of his son-in-law Daniel Garza, according to Sangamon County State Attorney John Milkheaser.
Griffin is said to have failed to provide proper food and water, causing blunt instrumental injuries to Daniel's body and head, leading to the boy's death.
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Stephen Griffin, 44, was charged with eight counts, including first-degree murder. (Sangamon County Jail)
Prosecutors said the teenager died of trauma of dull force to his head, body and starvation.
The suspect is accused of throwing hot water at Daniel, slapping the head with a nunchuk and stomping on the ankle.
Griffin and Daniel moved from Washington to Springfield in November with their teenage mother Christine, and lived in the hotel.
Griffin is said to have failed to provide proper food and water, causing blunt instrumental injuries to Daniel's body and head, leading to the boy's death. (istock)
On January 27th, Daniel's mother and stepfather took him to St. John's Hospital. There, he had a non-breathing response, his temperature was 86 degrees and weighed only 94 pounds. He suffered from subdural hemorrhage, burns, bruises and fractures.
Daniel was transferred to St. Louis Children's Hospital and later transferred to Indianapolis for professional care, where he passed away on February 7th.
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Prosecutors said the teenager died of trauma of dull force to his head, body and starvation. (istock)
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Griffin is also accused of putting his child's life and health at risk, and putting abuse or criminal negligence of people with disabilities. He also faces separate charges in unrelated cases involving a 16-year-old Springfield girl, including aggravated criminal abuse and indecent solicitation of children.
Christine Griffin is also charged with endangering the lives and health of a person with a disability in connection with the death of his son, and risking abuse or criminal negligence.
