SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — WAND News has learned new details in a case involving a teenager who suffered prolonged abuse in Springfield.
Steven and Kristin Griffin
On Thursday, a Sangamon County Grand Jury indicted Steven Griffin on eight counts, including first degree murder of his stepson 16-year-old Daniel Garza. The indictment alleges Griffin failed to provide adequate food and water and caused blunt force injuries to Garza's body and head, resulting in his death.
According to Sangamon County State's Attorney John Milhiser, Garza's biological mother, Kristin Griffin, has been charged with endangering the life or health of a child and abuse or criminal neglect of a person with a disability.
The family moved to Springfield from Washington state in November 2024 and had been living in hotels according to the state's attorney.
On Jan. 27, 2025, Garza was taken to the emergency room by his mother and stepfather. When he arrived at the ER, he was unresponsive, not breathing, his body temperature was 86 degrees, and he weighed 94 pounds.
Burns covered his face, neck, and chest and most of his body was bruised. He also had a subdural hemorrhage in his head and fractures to his scapula and ankle.
Garza was transferred to St Louis Children's Hospital and then later to Indianapolis for specialized care, which is where he died on Feb. 7.
In addition to the murder charges, Steven Griffin was charged with aggravated battery. Prosecutors said he threw hot water on the teen, causing serious burns. They also believe that Steven did this intentionally and that it involved the infliction of torture, subjecting Garza to extreme physical pain with an intent to increase or prolong pain and suffering.
Prosecutors also said Griffin struck Garza in the back of the head with nun chucks and stomped on his ankle, causing the fracture.
Additional charges for Steven Griffin include endangering the life or health of a child and abuse or criminal neglect of a person with a disability.
Both Griffins are also charged in an unrelated case involving a 16-year-old girl in Springfield. Steven was charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse, indecent solicitation of a child, grooming, sexual exploitation of a child and distributing harmful material.
Kristin has been charged with two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of a child.
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