A Queens father has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term for the tragic murder of his young son. Shaquan Butler, 29, faces 32 years to life after a jury found him guilty of second-degree murder, second-degree assault, and multiple counts of child endangerment. According to the Queens District Attorney's Office, the conviction and subsequent sentencing of Butler bring a somber justice to a case that shocked the community. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz stated, "Shaquan Bulter Jr. received brutal blows that cut his life short instead of the protection and care he deserved."
The tragic events leading to Butler's sentencing unfolded on November 13, 2022, when Emergency Medical Technicians responding to a 911 call found Shaquan Butler Jr. unresponsive. Initially telling EMTs that his son had choked, Butler was soon met with the reality of medical examinations revealing severe injuries inconsistent with his claim. The 3-year-old victim was discovered with extensive bruising and ultimately succumbed to multiple blunt force traumas.
At the sentencing, Queens Supreme Court Justice Ushir Pandit-Durant ordered Butler to begin his lengthy prison sentence, stemming from the hurtful evidence presented during the trial. Delving into the specifics of the violence, medical examinations disclosed that Shaquan Jr. had endured devastating harm with 23 rib fractures and critical internal bleeding due to lacerations of the liver. Not only was his airway obstruction claim debunked, but also his stomach was found empty, discrediting his initial statement to the EMTs.
The Queens District Attorney's Office did not only focus on the deceased child but also shed light on his younger sibling. During the examination, the two-year-old brother was found suffering from malnutrition and physical injuries indicative of abuse. In the face of such horror, Assistant District Attorney Jonathan Selkowe led the prosecution, obtaining a conviction that serves to underscore a collective community mandate against child abuse. The DA shared contact information for the domestic violence helpline, urging anyone in need to reach out.
In the aftermath of the trial, it became clear that the often silent and vulnerable victims of domestic abuse require the vigilance and support of every community member. Katz emphasized the need for protection and care for the vulnerable, reminding those experiencing domestic violence that assistance is available any time by calling the helpline at 718-286-4410.
