Stepmother Pleads Guilty to Starving Utah Boy

Nichole Lea Scott, the stepmother of 12-year-old Gavin Peterson, has pleaded guilty to murder and several other charges related to his death by starvation, which occurred in July 2024. Gavin's father, Shane Peterson, and brother, Tyler Peterson, have also pleaded guilty to related charges. Reports indicate that Gavin's malnutrition was so severe that his internal organs shut down, leading to his death shortly after being hospitalized. Evidence from phone messages among the accused revealed discussions about beating and abusing Gavin, including locking him in a room. Child welfare services had been notified multiple times about suspected abuse, dating back to Gavin's infancy. Scott's sentencing is scheduled for May 12, with Shane Peterson facing at least an eight-year sentence, and Tyler Peterson's sentence pending mental health evaluations.