Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. made an announcement today as Ryan Cato was sentenced to 25 years-to-life in prison for the brutal murder of his girlfriend's son, 10-year-old Ayden Wolfe. The conviction, handed down by a New York State Supreme Court jury on March 6, 2025, included charges of Murder in the Second Degree and Endangering the Welfare of a Child, according to the District Attorney's office.
Ayden was a victim of aggravated abuse by Cato, in a case that illustrates the increased vulnerabilities children faced during the pandemic, when remote schooling limited their interaction with teachers and school staff. District Attorney Bragg, in a statement obtained by the District Attorney's office, reflected on the outcome: "While today’s sentencing will not bring back this innocent child, I hope it gives his loved ones a sense of comfort and closure in this abhorrent crime."
The details of the abuse are disturbing, with Cato starting to mistreat the young boy shortly after moving in with his girlfriend in January 2021 on West 131st Street. Remote learning for Ayden meant that his interactions with those who could spot and report signs of abuse were significantly reduced. Evidence presented at trial revealed Cato subjected the child to cruel punishments, including forcing him to hold weights while assaulting him, and then sharing recorded evidence of his brutal acts.
On the day before Ayden's death, neighbors reported hearing loud bangs from the apartment, and when confronted by his girlfriend, Cato responded with threats. The next day, the abuse escalated to a fever pitch resulting in 911 being called by Ayden's mother — Cato took the phone from her, inserting himself into her cry for help. Upon arrival, first responders found Ayden without a pulse and despite attempts by medical professionals at Harlem Hospital, his life could not be saved, and Ayden was pronounced dead on the same day, as reported by the District Attorney’s office.
The cause of death was declared as battered child syndrome by the Medical Examiner's Office. The child had suffered a list of injuries, including bruises across his body, broken ribs, and lacerations to internal organs that led to fatal hemorrhaging. Assistant D.A.s Jonathon Junig, Austin Minogue, Nicole Blumberg, and Meghan McNulty led the prosecution of the case, with Executive Assistant D.A. Justin McNabney supervising, in collaboration with NYPD officers including Christian Balbi, Christopher French, and Sean Tyrrell, whose efforts were crucial in the investigation and were acknowledged by D.A. Bragg.
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