WEST HAVEN, Utah, July 20, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — Family members are remembering 12-year-old Gavin Hansen Peterson, who died on July 9 of what police investigators are calling child abuse homicide, as “a happy boy with a contagious smile, who loved his family.
“Gavin was intelligent, funny and kind with a curious nature who enjoyed science and learning about the solar system. His favorite color was blue, and he liked Pokémon, and the Nintendo Switch,” his obituary says.
“Gavin was a bright spark and was destined to be a huge personality, even though his time on earth was cut tragically short. Although we will miss him, he will forever remain in our hearts.”
Last Wednesday, July 17, Gavin’s father, step-mother and brother were booked into the Weber County jail for investigation of alleged child abuse homicide, a first-degree felony. Their affidavits say Gavin was found malnourished, wearing a saturated diaper, and notations found detailed beatings and limiting food to a third of a cup of water and a piece of bread with mustard.
Home surveillance videos showed Gavin was kept in a room locked from the outside.
“Upon arrival, the first deputy on the scene found the child on the bathroom floor and assumed CPR from the family,” says an affidavit filed in the arrest of Nichole Scott, 50, described as Gavin’s step-mother.
“The deputy noted that the bathroom floor was wet and the child’s skin was cold to the touch. Medical personnel subsequently transported the child to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.”
Arrested eight days later were Scott; Gavin’s 46-year-old father, Shane Peterson; and 21-year-old Tyler Peterson, Gavin’s brother.
“Nichole and Shane reported that the child had been ill for several days, experiencing vomiting and seizures, but was not taken to a doctor,” Scott’s affidavit says. “On the day of the incident, Nichole found the child in his bedroom, covered in vomit, and assisted him into the shower. She stated that she left the bathroom and then heard a loud noise. Upon returning, she found the child sitting unresponsive on the bathtub floor.”
In his affidavit, Tyler contradicted that account, saying Scott had found Gavin unconscious in his room, and carried him to the bathroom.
“The child was transported to a local hospital where he died after arrival,” Scott’s affidavit says. “An examination of the child’s body showed malnutrition to the point the child’s internal organs had shut down completely. The child’s body was visibly emaciated.”
Charges will be filed by the Weber County Attorney’s Office at a future date. The three suspects jailed this week will be investigated for the following alleged crimes:
Nichole Scott
- Child abuse homicide, reckless, a first-degree felony
- Two counts of aggravated child abuse, intentionally or knowingly, a second-degree felony
- Two counts of obstruction of justice, capital/first-degree felony conduct, a second-degree felony
- Endangerment of a child or vulnerable adult, a third-degree felony
- Possession of a controlled substance schedule I/II/analog, a class A misdemeanor
Shane Peterson and Tyler Peterson
- Child abuse homicide, reckless, a first-degree felony
- Two counts of aggravated child abuse, intentional or knowingly, a second-degree felony
- Obstruction of justice, capital/first-degree felony conduct, a second-degree felony
All three arrestees are being held without bail.
According to a statement from the Weber School District, school employees had filed reports related to suspected abuse and neglect of Gavin. At the start of the last school year, Gavin was withdrawn from school by a guardian who reportedly said the boy was going to be homeschooled.
“This essentially ended our contact with the student and terminated any authority the district had related to their education,” the Weber School District said in a released statement.
“The death of any student can have a profound effect on those who knew them and who were involved in their education,” the statement says, adding there would be support from counselors available to students and employees in need.
A GoFundMe account that says it was posted on behalf of Gavin’s mother to raise funeral funds also shares a description of the child. Gephardt Daily cannot guarantee funds donated will be used in a way stated.
The account says:
“Gavin was killed on July 9, 2024 after suffering years of physical abuse and neglect from his dad’s long-term girlfriend,” the account says. “They have both been arrested on charges of child abuse homicide and others.
“While they await justice, the family is picking up the shattered pieces by planning funeral services and arranging therapy sessions for Gavin’s older siblings, who’ve also suffered from abuse and neglect while in their care.
“My sister is doing what no mother should have to do, burying her 12-year-old son. Gavin was such a happy kid, with a ready smile for everyone. His favorite color was blue and he loved Science and Pokemon. Any help you can offer in donating to assist with funeral expenses and therapy sessions will help the family during their grieving period and would be most appreciated.”
To report child abuse in Utah, call the 24-hour Division of Child and Family Services hotline at 855-323-3237 or fill out a child abuse reporting form from the Utah Department of Health & Human Services, Child and Family Services, available at this link.
