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WEST HAVEN — The three family members charged in the death of a 12-year-old West Haven boy stood before a judge on Thursday.
The hearing was a short report on counsel hearing to make sure each of the defendants had an attorney, but it was emotionally charged for several people in the courtroom.
Gavin Peterson's father, 46-year-old Shane Peterson, stepmother, 50-year-old Nichole Scott, and oldest brother, 21-year-old Tyler Peterson, are each facing one count of child abuse homicide for Gavin's death on July 9, two counts of aggravated child abuse, and one count of endangerment of a child, court documents state.
Scott is facing two additional counts of obstruction of justice and one count of drug possession, according to court documents. Tyler Peterson is facing one additional count of obstruction of justice, court documents say.
Prosecutors allege the charges of aggravated child abuse and endangerment of a child occurred over the course of more than two years, between Jan. 1, 2022, and July 9, 2024.
One group of women told KSL-TV they worked with Shane Peterson. They said the father never told co-workers about Gavin. They only knew about Shane Peterson and Scott's son, who is one year younger than Gavin.
"We didn't know Gavin; we didn't even know he existed. At work, there was only a picture of the younger child," said one of the coworkers, Susan Phillips.
The women said they felt compelled to attend the hearing because they were so distraught over Gavin's death.
"I have had a hard time sleeping and feel like there's maybe something we could've done, we could've seen, and I think for my own mental health, I needed to be here," Phillips said.
Related:
Sister of Gavin Peterson says she faced similar abuse by those accused in his death
The sister of Gavin Peterson, the 12-year-old boy who police say died of starvation in West Haven, is breaking her silence.Prosecutors allege Gavin's body showed malnutrition to the point his internal organs shut down completely when he died on July 9.
All three suspects are being held without bail. Shane Peterson and Tyler Peterson have private attorneys. Logan Bushell represents Shane Peterson, and Ryan Bushell represents Tyler Peterson.
Public defender Randall Marshall has been appointed to represent Scott.
The next court appearance to decide if a preliminary hearing will be held is scheduled for Oct. 10 at 4 p.m. in Ogden's District Court.
Judge Camille Neider of the Second District Court also addressed the exchange of discovery and information about the case, including evidence, between the prosecution and defense that will happen in the meantime.
Child abuse resources:
- Utah Domestic Violence Coalition operates a confidential statewide, 24-hour domestic abuse hotline at 1-800-897-LINK (5465). Resources are also available online: udvc.org. The statewide child abuse and neglect hotline is 1-855-323-DCFS (3237).
- The Utah Division of Child and Family Services offers counseling, teaches parenting skills and conflict resolution and can connect families with community resources. Its goal is to keep children with their family when it is "possible and safe." Visit dcfs.utah.gov/contact-us/ or call 801-538-4100.
- The Christmas Box House acts as a temporary shelter for children and can provide them with new clothing and shoes, among other services. Call the Salt Lake office at 801-747-2201 or the Ogden office at 801-866-0350.
