Gavin Peterson died from horrific abuse in 2024 when he was just 12 years old. In May 2025, a court convicted Gavin’s father, 47-year-old Shane Peterson, and stepmother, 50-year-old Nichole Lea Scott, for their roles in his death. Sadly, Gavin was abused not just by his parents but also by his brother, 23-year-old Tyler Peterson. On February 17, 2026, a judge sentenced Tyler Peterson to five years to life in prison for his role in his brother’s death. Hopefully this will finally bring Gavin some justice.
Gavin, who lived in Utah, faced horrific abuse at the hands of his father, stepmother, and brother for years, according to court documents obtained by Law & Crime. The family beat Gavin, restricted him from using the bathroom, and gave him just a glass of water and a slice of bread with mustard to eat. He was forced to use a diaper and often sat in his own waste, eventually dying of sepsis.
Judge Camille Neider believed Peterson knew exactly what he was doing to his brother, Fox 13 reported. “This case is hard, not because it is difficult to hear the facts,” she said. “I have no evidence that you didn’t know right from wrong based on the circumstances. “It’s very clear you weren’t the alpha in this relationship.”
Peterson’s lawyer, Ryan Bushell, claimed that all the children in the home faced horrific abuse and that his client was a pawn. He hoped for a lighter sentence for Tyler Peterson.
Aubrey Davis, an attorney for Gavin and Tyler Peterson’s biological mother, Melanie Peterson, read a letter from the heartbroken woman.
“I know Tyler would never do this on his own. He was brainwashed from a young age,” the mother explained. “I was their mother, and I failed to protect all my kids,” Melanie Peterson shared in her letter, per Fox 13. “I respectfully ask you to allow Tyler to continue his treatment at home.”
Peterson reportedly wiped tears from his eyes as he listened to his mother’s words.
Prosecutor Kevin McGaha did not feel bad for Peterson. “While they were at Disneyland, he reported incidents of mental and physical torture,” the lawyer stated, according to Fox 13. “Did he have the capacity to show mercy? He certainly had the opportunity.
“He had two cars, a good job, and money; he wasn’t a prisoner,” McGaha added.
Ultimately, Neider sentenced Peterson to five years to life in prison on the child abuse charge, and one to 15 years for aggravated child abuse and obstruction of justice.
It comes down to knowing the difference between right and wrong. Gavin was helpless, and his brother could have made a better choice. Now he has to pay for his actions.
If you suspect child abuse, you can call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 (1-800-4-A-Child) or go to Childhelp.org. The hotline is available 24/7.
