Overview

• On August 7, a jury found 29-year-old Shaquan Butler guilty of depraved indifference murder, assault and six counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
• Medical examiners testified that the boy sustained 23 rib fractures, liver lacerations and substantial internal bleeding that disproved his father’s claim that he choked while eating.
• Evidence of malnutrition and multiple-stage bruises on his 2-year-old brother led to separate assault and child endangerment charges against Butler.
• The case has intensified criticism of the Administration for Children’s Services after it returned the Butler children to their parents days before the fatal incident.
• Sentencing is scheduled for September, and Butler faces up to 32 years to life in prison for his convictions.