Springfield Stepfather Indicted for Murder, Torture of Stepsom

Steven Griffin, a 44-year-old man from Springfield, Illinois, has been indicted on eight charges, including first-degree murder, in connection with the death of his 16-year-old stepson, Daniel Garza. Prosecutors allege Griffin subjected Garza to severe abuse, including starvation and blunt force trauma, leading to the teenager's death on February 7, 2025. Garza was found unresponsive on January 27, weighing only 94 pounds, and showed signs of extensive injuries, including burns and fractures. In addition to the murder charges, Griffin faces separate allegations of sexual crimes against a 16-year-old girl, which are not related to Garza's case. Griffin's wife, Kristin, is also charged in the sexual abuse case but has been released under conditions. He remains in custody at the Sangamon County Jail and is scheduled for a court appearance on March 24.