A California mother and her boyfriend have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms after authorities said the woman’s 1-year-old son died from severe burns sustained in an extremely hot bath, injuries prosecutors say were left untreated while the adults attempted to care for him themselves instead of seeking emergency medical help.
According to the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office, Sergio Mena, 34, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and child abuse causing great bodily injury, while Samantha Garver, 36, was convicted of manslaughter and child abuse causing great bodily injury.
Mena was sentenced to 21 years to life in prison, and Garver received a 14-year prison sentence.
Toddler Left in Scalding Bathwater
Prosecutors said the incident occurred on Sept. 30, 2023, at the family’s home in the 700 block of Santa Barbara Avenue in Sugarloaf, California.
According to investigators, Mena was caring for 1-year-old Henry Wheatley-Brown while Garver was away.
Authorities said Mena placed the toddler into scalding hot bathwater before leaving the home to obtain methamphetamine, leaving the child unattended.
While Mena was gone, Henry began screaming.
When Mena returned, prosecutors said he found the toddler had suffered severe burns.
Parents Chose Ointment Instead of Medical Care
After discovering the child’s injuries, Mena contacted Garver, who returned home later that evening.
Despite the seriousness of Henry’s condition, prosecutors said neither adult sought emergency medical treatment.
Instead, investigators said they attempted to treat the extensive burns using over-the-counter ointment.
Authorities stated that no effort was made to take the child to a hospital or contact emergency services that night.
911 Called the Following Day
The next day, Mena and Garver finally called 911, reporting that Henry was experiencing shallow breathing.
When paramedics arrived, they found the toddler without a pulse, severely dehydrated, and cold to the touch.
Emergency responders were unable to save him.
Investigation Revealed Extensive Injuries
According to prosecutors, an autopsy and subsequent investigation found Henry had suffered second-degree and third-degree burns over portions of his body.
Investigators also discovered evidence of ongoing physical abuse.
Authorities said the child had multiple healing fractures in both arms as well as extensive bruising, indicating injuries that occurred before the fatal incident.
Reports Described History of Child Abuse Concerns
According to reporting by the Los Angeles Times, Henry and his three older siblings had allegedly experienced abuse over several years.
Records indicated the San Bernardino County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) had multiple prior interactions with Garver concerning allegations involving her children.
According to documents cited in the report, Garver allegedly told a doctor she had once felt like placing a pillow over one child’s face because of excessive crying.
The records also stated that she posted a question on Facebook asking whether duct taping a child’s mouth would be considered abusive.
Investigations Produced Conflicting Findings
Documents reviewed by the newspaper reportedly showed inconsistent conclusions by child welfare investigators.
One investigator reportedly determined the children faced a high risk of abuse and neglect, while another concluded they were safe.
Family members also expressed concerns to authorities about the children’s welfare, but those concerns did not result in Henry being removed from the home.
Henry’s grandmother, Sierra Rivers, recalled Garver allegedly saying that she had been abused as a child herself and believed she had turned out fine.
Following Henry’s death, a child welfare investigation reportedly concluded that abuse or neglect caused the toddler’s death.
Prosecutors Say Sentences Provide Accountability
Following the sentencing, the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office stated that although no punishment could undo Henry’s suffering or bring him back, the prison sentences ensure the defendants will no longer be able to harm another child.
Prosecutors also said the office would continue working to protect vulnerable children while honoring Henry’s memory.
With the sentencing now complete, both defendants will serve lengthy prison terms for their roles in the abuse and death of 1-year-old Henry Wheatley-Brown.
