New Hampshire Mother Sentenced for Death of 5-Year-Old Son

Danielle Dauphinais faces over 50 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder and witness tampering in the tragic case of Elijah Lewis.

• Elijah Lewis, found weighing only 19 pounds, suffered prolonged abuse, malnourishment, and exposure to fentanyl before his death in 2021.
• Danielle Dauphinais, Elijah's mother, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and witness tampering, receiving a sentence of 55 years to life.
• Joseph Stapf, Dauphinais' boyfriend at the time, was also convicted and sentenced to 22 to 45 years for his role in Elijah's death.
• Text messages revealed Dauphinais and Stapf's hostility towards Elijah, including threats and admissions of physical abuse.
• Elijah's father has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against New Hampshire's child services, highlighting systemic failures in protecting children.

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