Gavin Peterson,12, is the suspected victim of child abuse in West Haven, according to his family. According to a police booking affidavit, Gavin was rushed by EMS to a hospital at approximately 2:40 p.m. on July 9 after experiencing severe vomiting and seizures for many days.
The affidavit claims that on the day of his death, he passed away at the hospital and that upon examination by medical personnel, his body had become so malnourished that his internal organs had completely shut down. Gavin’s older brother, stepmother, and father are currently being imprisoned in the Weber County Jail on charges of child abuse homicide.
They are alleged to have committed horrendous acts of abuse, such as hunger, beatings, and neglect, over a period of years. The youngster attended the district during the 2022–2023 academic year, according to a statement released by the Weber County School District on Friday on the death.
However, a guardian withdrew him for homeschooling at the beginning of the previous school year (August 2023), thereby cutting off their communication with him. The testimony continues by disclosing worries regarding possible child abuse during his school years.
“School personnel reported the alleged abuse and neglect of this child to the Utah Division of Child and Family Services on several occasions prior to the student’s withdrawal from the district. The investigating agency would have to make any further information or official conclusions about these concerns public.
KSL TV emailed DCFS’s media contact, Miranda Fisher, citing privacy guidelines, requesting information about how the agency was handling allegations of suspected abuse from WSD. “DCFS is steadfast in our commitment to protecting the privacy of Utah’s children and families, acknowledging that every child and family has the right to it. DCFS will carry on with its policy of not disclosing particulars about any case, past or present.
The following remark regarding the child’s passing was also included in the email: “Losing a kid affects and destroys us. This is devastating for everyone involved, including the family and the community. During times of vulnerability, the Utah Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) assists families and children.
While KSL is still looking into the reports and accusations of abuse, Gavin’s aunt has created a GoFundMe to assist pay for his funeral, which his family is getting ready for. Gavin’s mother was grieving over her son’s passing, according to Gavin’s uncle, who spoke with KSL on Friday.
There is a complex history around custody that needs to be revealed, he said, but the family is not yet ready to do so. Right now, all they want is for Gavin to be known as a content youngster who enjoyed Pokémon and always had a smile on his face.
