King Dewey, a 3-year-old who died from severe neglect, had a “skeletal appearance” and weighed just 19 pounds when he was killed, according to KBMT, an ABC/NBC Beaumont station.
His sister’s lover was sentenced to 60 years in jail for the death.
After being found guilty on two counts of injury to a child with intent to cause serious bodily harm, 26-year-old defendant Jaylin Jevon Lewis allegedly testified on his own behalf during the penalty phase of his trial. However, when asked by his defense lawyer Tom Burbank whether he respected the jury’s decision, Lewis responded with a “Not really.”
During the course of cross-examination in the Jefferson County, Texas courtroom, prosecutor Tommy Coleman later retorted to this.
“It appears a little remorseless even as you sit there,” Coleman remarked.
According to local law enforcement, King’s corpse was discovered in a locked closet on May 31, 2022, after he had starved to death. It was a “horrific” death, according to the sheriff’s office. His 21-year-old sister Kristen Louis received a 30-year prison sentence for child abuse after pleading guilty earlier this week. Tina Louise Louis, 43, who had entrusted Louis and Lewis with the infant, is currently facing charges.
Thursday saw Lewis’ sentencing following his conviction on Wednesday. He attempted to pin the guilt on Tina Louis while he was on the stand.
“If I could turn back the hands of time to take matters to my own hands, I would have took it upon myself to give him a better opportunity than what his mother was giving him,” Lewis said.
“You are asking for consideration,” Coleman later told him. “Did you show consideration to King?”