THE CASE WAS SO HEARTBREAKING THAT EVEN THE JUDGE BROKE DOWN IN TEARS WHILE SENTENCING THE K!LLERS OF 12-YEAR-OLD GAVIN PETERSON. Gavin Peterson, 12, from West Haven, Utah, died on July 9, 2024, after suffering prolonged abuse, starvation and neglect at the hands of his own family. Gavin was confined to an empty room and deprived of basic necessities. His father, Shane Peterson, his stepmother, Nichole Scott, and his older brother, Tyler Peterson, were implicated in the abuse that led to his de@th. During sentencing, Judge Camille Neider became visibly emotional as she addressed Gavin’s father, telling him: “You were Gavin’s dad. I don’t think you deserve that title anymore.” The case was so devastating that the judge remarked on being more emotional about Gavin’s suffering than his own father appeared to be. Shane Peterson was sentenced to 5 years to life in prison, Nichole Scott received 15 years to life, and Tyler Peterson was sentenced to 5 years to life in February 2026. Gavin was only 12 years old. The people who should have protected him became responsible for his suffering, leaving a judge deeply shaken by the cruelty of the case.