Protestors rally as father, brother of Gavin Peterson plead guilty in court

OGDEN, Utah (ABC4) — Gavin Peterson was 12 years old when he died on Jul. 9, 2024 at a Weber County hospital. Only days later, three family members were arrested and charged with child abuse homicide. Today, his father and brother appeared in court to enter their pleas.

The Utah Division of Child and Family Services later released documents detailing several years of investigation of the Peterson family’s abuse against Gavin. Their report concluded that Gavin suffered “severe and chronic physical abuse and severe and chronic physical neglect.”

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class="wp-block-heading">Court Appearances

Shane Jesse Peterson, Gavin’s father, appeared first in court today on five felony charges: one count of child abuse homicide, two counts of aggravated child abuse — one against Gavin and another against an unidentified individual referred to as M.P. — and one count of endangerment of a child.

Shane Peterson waived his right to a preliminary hearing and pleaded guilty to the five felony charges brought against him. Judge Camille L. Neider with the Second District Court ordered that a pre-sentence investigation report (PSI) be prepared for her to review with any additional information she may need while sentencing.

“I think it’s important, Mr. Peterson — although the fact that you’re going to go to prison is a given in this case — I do think it’s important that you have the benefit of reviewing the PSI that’s prepared,” Judge Neider stated.

They have set Shane Peterson’s sentencing date for May 6 at 4 p.m.

After a brief recess, Tyler Shane Peterson, Gavin’s brother, was brought to the stand. He was facing four felony charges: one count of child abuse homicide, two counts of aggravated child abuse and one count of obstruction of justice.

Tyler Peterson also waived his right to a preliminary hearing. He entered a plea of guilty with a mental condition. His attorney, Ryan Bushell, shared the details of the mental condition, diagnosed by a psychologist and autism specialist.

“That evaluation came back with the diagnostic impressions that Tyler suffers from autism spectrum disorder, from generalized anxiety disorder, persistent depressive disorder, and … other specified personality disorders,”

His attorney requested Tyler Peterson be released for treatment, and stated that he would live with his mother and siblings. The prosecutors agreed to these terms, and Judge Neider recommended a pretrial criminal protective order while he was with his family.

“If there was any issue as far as law enforcement being called, they would have something they could rely on instantly, in which they could detain Mr. Peterson,” Judge Neider said.

Tyler Peterson was released with several conditions, among those were: he would not violate any laws, his family would have a pretrial protective order, and he would not commit any domestic violence. His sentencing has not been set yet.

Protestors’ Reactions

Outside the courthouse, ABC4.com spoke with members of the community who showed up to listen to the hearings and stand up for Gavin Peterson.

“I want justice for this little guy … it meant a lot for me to come here today. I actually got to meet [Gavin’s] mom for the first time and we hugged,” Sabrina Tracy shared after the hearing.

As a child advocate, Sabrina Tracy has been following this case closely. She has been working to push for change and has spoken with lawmakers and picketed for Gavin in the past.

When asked about her reaction to Shane Peterson’s guilty plea, Tracy said, “I’m glad I got to see him say he was guilty to all five of those charges and put his head down because he should be shameful. What he did was wrong, and it was malicious.”

Susan Phillips, who worked at the same company as Shane Peterson, also attended the hearing. She said that the news that he had been abusing and starving his child shocked her and her workplace.

“I’m glad that he plead up, that was interesting to me that they added a charge that took off the death penalty, he’ll be going away for a long time, I hope,” Phillips shared about Shane Peterson.

Phillips also expressed her concerns about Tyler Peterson’s release. She was worried that he would be in the same home as children.

“I’ve also worked with Tyler. My problem is Tyler knew right from wrong. Tyler still knows right from wrong, and deserves to have a sentence that is equivalent to someone that did the crime that he committed,” Phillips said.

Shane Peterson will be sentenced on May 6 of this year, and Tyler Peterson’s has not been set. Nichole Scott, Gavin’s stepmother, will appear later this month on Mar. 27.

Maclane Westbrook contributed to this report.