A 27-year-old man from New York has admitted guilt in the death of his 16-month-old son, bringing a tragic criminal case to a close ahead of trial.
Matthew Nuttall entered a guilty plea to first-degree manslaughter in connection with the death of Isaac Benton, according to prosecutors from the Chautauqua County District Attorney’s Office. The case stems from an incident at a residence in Jamestown, New York, US, where authorities were called to investigate what was initially reported as a suspicious death.
Investigators said the inquiry began after police received notification of the child’s death in April 2024. Detectives later concluded the toddler suffered fatal blunt force injuries inside the home. Court proceedings indicated the child’s death followed an episode in which Nuttall became overwhelmed while caring for his son.
District Attorney Jason Schmidt described the case as particularly distressing for both investigators and the community, emphasizing the severity of the child’s injuries and the emotional toll on those involved.
Nuttall had been scheduled to stand trial but changed course shortly before jury proceedings were set to begin, opting instead to plead guilty as charged.
A spokesperson for local law enforcement called the circumstances deeply troubling, noting the profound impact on the victim’s family. Officials stressed the importance of a sentence that reflects the seriousness of the offense while adhering to the principles of justice.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 20.
Isaac Benton was born in Buffalo, New York, US, in December 2022. In a remembrance shared publicly, family members recalled the toddler’s affection for the movie Toy Story, along with his love for animals, outdoor play, and time spent with relatives.
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