LAS VEGAS (TCN) — A judge sentenced a woman to life in prison in what a prosecutor called the “worst child homicide I’ve ever had” after she pleaded guilty to torturing and killing a young boy she was watching over while his mother was at a shelter.
KLAS-TV reports Crystal Stephens received the sentence Wednesday, May 8, as part of a plea deal that meant prosecutors would not seek the death penalty against her for killing Brandon “Tuku” Steckler Jr. in 2018.
Court records show Stephens was indicted in 2019 on charges first-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping, 16 counts of child endangerment with substantial bodily or mental harm, seven counts of child abuse, neglect, or endangerment, and sexual assault with a minor under 14 years of age…