Woman accused of killing Gavin Peterson pleads guilty to murder, abuse

WEST HAVEN, Utah (ABC4) — The woman who allegedly killed 12-year-old Gavin Peterson pleaded guilty to murder and abuse charges during a Monday court appearance.

Nichole Lea Scott, 51, pleaded guilty to eight charges, including murder, child abuse, obstruction of justice, and endangering a child.

According to court documents, on July 9, 2024, Weber County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a home in West Haven, where they found an unresponsive boy who was not breathing.

Scott said she found the boy in his bedroom covered in vomit, and that she attempted to revive the boy by splashing water on his face, according to court documents.

Police said the boy, later identified as Gavin Peterson, 12, was transported to a local hospital where he died due to malnutrition and organ failure. Officials also said the child’s body was visibly emaciated upon arrival.

Search warrants were later carried out that revealed conversations between Nichole Scott (Gavin’s stepmother), Shane Peterson (Gavin’s father), and Tyler Peterson (Gavin’s brother) in which they discuss Gavin being hit and beaten on top of getting locked in a room. The messages also reportedly discussed whether the child had been given any food or allowed to use the bathroom. Police said the conversations occurred over the course of several years.

Documents say images were also seized during the execution of warrant, and the images reportedly revealed several sores on Gavin’s back. Other images showed the child lying on a carpetless floor covered in feces, wearing only a diaper.

Gavin’s father and brother are also facing homicide and child abuse charges. In March 2025, Shane Peterson pleaded guilty to several counts, and Tyler Peterson was released on several conditions after his attorney cited his mental health.

Scott is scheduled to appear in court for sentencing on May 12, 2025.

Derick Fox, Kade Garner, Aubree B. Jennings, and Sorina Trauntvein contributed to this report.