Introduction to the Case
Shaquan Butler was sentenced to 32 years to life in prison for the murder of his 3-year-old son in the shelter for homeless families at the old Pan American Hotel in Elmhurst in November 2022.
QNS file photo
Background and Conviction
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Shaquan Butler was sentenced to 32 years to life in prison on Monday for killing his 3-year-old son in a shelter at the old Pan American Hotel in Elmhurst in 2022.
Butler, 29, was convicted by a jury last month on murder, assault, and six counts of endangering the welfare of a child for beating Shaquan Butler Jr. to death and the physical abuse of the boy’s younger sibling. The jury of his peers in Queens Supreme Court deliberated for just three hours before reaching a guilty verdict on Aug. 6.
The Incident and Investigation
According to the charges and trial testimony, on Nov. 13, 2022, Butler resided in the Boulevard Family Shelter located in the converted Pan Am hotel at 79-00 Queens Blvd. with his son, two additional children and the mother of the kids. At around 7:40 p.m., the children’s mother called 911 to report that Shaquan Jr. was not breathing. Responding to the 911 call, the FDNY and police from the 110th Precinct in Elmhurst arrived at the shelter, and EMTs found the youngster naked on the floor of the apartment, unconscious and unresponsive, covered in cold water with visible bruises covering his body, including three large contusions on his head. The child was rushed to Elmhurst Hospital Center, where he was pronounced dead. Butler claimed his son had choked while eating, and he had attempted to save him.
Medical Examination and Findings
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined the youngster died from blunt force injuries to his torso. He had three lacerations to his liver and substantial internal bleeding. Shaquan Jr. also suffered nearly two dozen fractures to his ribs, including some that appeared to have been sustained anywhere from a few days to a week prior to his murder. There was no evidence that his airway had been obstructed, and his stomach was empty when he was killed. A medical examination of his then 2-year-old brother revealed malnutrition and physical injuries consistent with child abuse.
Sentencing and Reaction
Queens Supreme Court Justice Ushir Pandit-Durant sentenced the defendant to 32 years to life in prison on Monday.
“Shaquan Butler Jr. received brutal blows that cut his life short instead of the protection and care he deserved. Today’s sentence is justice for Shaquan Jr. and his younger brother, but it is a solemn closure,” Katz said. “If you and your family need assistance, please contact our domestic violence helpline at 718-286-4410. Someone is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
Conclusion
The sentencing of Shaquan Butler to 32 years to life in prison brings a measure of justice to the tragic case of the murder of his 3-year-old son, Shaquan Butler Jr. The case highlights the importance of vigilance and support for vulnerable families, especially those in shelter situations. It also underscores the need for access to resources and help for those who may be experiencing domestic violence or child abuse.
FAQs
Q: What was the sentence given to Shaquan Butler for the murder of his son?
A: Shaquan Butler was sentenced to 32 years to life in prison.
Q: What were the causes of death determined by the medical examiner?
A: The causes of death were determined to be blunt force injuries to the torso, including lacerations to the liver and substantial internal bleeding, as well as nearly two dozen fractures to the ribs.
Q: Were there any signs of abuse or neglect of the other children in the family?
A: Yes, a medical examination of the 2-year-old brother revealed malnutrition and physical injuries consistent with child abuse.
Q: What resources are available for families who may be experiencing domestic violence or child abuse?
A: The Queens District Attorney’s office provides a domestic violence helpline at 718-286-4410, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
