Father of Gavin Peterson receives maximum sentence for child abuse leading to his death

OGDEN, Utah (ABC4) — The father of Gavin Peterson has received the maximum sentence less than a year after the 12-year-old’s death. On July 9, 2024, Gavin Peterson died at a Weber County hospital. Only days later, three of his family members would be arrested for child abuse homicide.

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

Today, Shane Jesse Peterson entered the courtroom to be sentenced after

pleading guilty in March. He pleaded guilty to five felony charges: one count of child abuse homicide, three counts of aggravated child abuse, and one count of endangerment of a child.

Shane Peterson was sentenced to five years to life for the child abuse homicide charge, three 1 – 15 year sentences for aggravated child abuse, and up to five years for child endangerment. These sentences are to run consecutively with each other and any other sentences. Judge Camille L. Neider of the Second District Court spoke to Shane Peterson before the sentencing.

“I agree that you should be given the maximum sentence,” Judge Neider stated. “I am also going to encourage the board to keep you until you die.”

Judge Neider was brought to tears as she read the facts of the case.

“Gavin likely endured unimaginable suffering in the weeks, if not months, leading up to his death,” Neider said.

She addressed Shane Peterson directly, telling him that while she was sentencing him based on the facts of the case, it did not mean she was devoid of emotion or care.

“You were Gavin’s dad. I don’t think you deserve that title anymore, but there’s unfortunately that can be done to change that,” Judge Neider said. “I also find it telling that I am more emotional about this than you are.”

Nichole Lea Scott, Gavin’s stepmother, pleaded guilty on April 7, and her sentencing is set for May 12. She pleaded guilty to eight charges, including murder, child abuse, obstruction of justice, and endangering a child.

Tyler Shane Peterson, Gavin’s brother, was released for treatment due to mental health recommendations from his attorney and is living with family. He pleaded guilty the same day as his father, but his sentencing has not been set. Tyler Peterson will be in court on May 22 to review the treatment he is receiving.

Derick Fox contributed to this report.