Steven Griffin, 44, has been indicted on first-degree murder charges in the brutal death of his 16-year-old stepson, Daniel Garza, who suffered severe abuse and starvation before his passing on February 7.

The indictment comes after investigators revealed that Daniel Garza, weighing only 94 pounds and showing signs of severe physical abuse, died from blunt force trauma and starvation. Prosecutors allege that Griffin subjected Daniel to horrific treatment, including beating him and depriving him of basic necessities. Alongside Griffin, Daniel’s mother, Kristin Griffin, has also been charged with endangering her son's life, raising critical questions about the circumstances leading to this tragedy in their recent home in Springfield.

Daniel was found unresponsive and in critical condition before being taken to the hospital. Initial examinations revealed that the teenager had suffered extensive injuries, which included trauma to his head and body consistent with blunt force impacts. Medical staff noted signs of malnutrition, culminating in an alarming body temperature reading of 86 degrees when he arrived at the facility.

The stark condition of Daniel's physical health upon discovery indicates severe neglect. Evidence presented by prosecutors suggests he had been subjected to a series of abusive episodes, with reports detailing specific incidents where Griffin hurled hot water at Daniel, struck him with nunchucks, and stomped on his ankle. Such allegations paint a horrifying picture of the environment in which Daniel lived.

The abuse reportedly escalated while the family was away from their former residence in Washington state, as they had recently relocated to Springfield and were living in temporary accommodations such as hotels. Local authorities began looking into the family’s circumstances, which have now been deeply scrutinized following Daniel's tragic death.

In addition to the murder charge, Steven Griffin is also facing multiple other charges, including aggravated battery and aggravated domestic battery, alongside separate sexual abuse allegations not directly related to Daniel’s case. These charges suggest a pattern of violent behavior that escalated within his family environment.

Kristin Griffin, Daniel’s mother, has been indicted for her role in the neglect and abuse of her son. She faces charges for endangering the health of a child alongside allegations of abuse or criminal neglect. The dual indictments against both parents reflect not only a broader systemic issue but also the potential for deeper family dysfunction that could have contributed to the unfavorable living conditions.

After emergency medical intervention, Daniel was transferred to a children’s hospital for specialized care. Despite extensive efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries just a few days later, on February 7. His death has sparked community outrage and has raised questions about the protective measures in place for vulnerable minors.

The case has attracted media attention, serving as a reminder of the risks children face in environments marked by violence and neglect. As both Steven and Kristin Griffin prepare to face the legal system, the details surrounding Daniel's suffering have put a spotlight on the importance of child welfare initiatives and the need for vigilant oversight to protect at-risk youths.

As the community mourns the loss of Daniel Garza, the tragic incident is expected to prompt scrutiny of the circumstances that led to this situation.