23-month-old boy died after his intoxicated mother, who was “so under the influence of drugs,” repeatedly slammed his head against a wall; mother sentenced
Minnesota – In a disturbing case in Minnesota, a 31-year-old mother, identified as L. Jackson, has been sentenced to nearly two decades behind bars for the brutal murder of her 23-month-old son, identified only as Aaryan. Jackson received a prison sentence of nearly 20 years after pleading guilty to second-degree murder, a crime committed in a disturbing episode of violence against her own child.
The tragic events unfolded in August 2023 when Jackson, under the influence of drugs, inflicted fatal injuries on her young son by slamming his head repeatedly against a wall. In a desperate attempt to cover her heinous act, Jackson initially misled the authorities by reporting that the boy had been run over by a car driven by his father, identified as R. Ortez.
Ortez, devastated by the loss of his son, told local news outlets, “She took my baby’s life. I still don’t know, to this day, what really happened because she isn’t saying anything. I’m still trying to figure out why she did it. I don’t know why.” It was soon discovered that the father’s car, which Jackson claimed was involved in the accident, was actually in the shop at the time of the incident. This discrepancy led to further investigation, revealing the true nature of the child’s injuries.
Responding to the initial call about a child being run over, deputies from the sheriff’s office were quickly involved, only to uncover evidence that pointed to a much darker scenario. An examination of Jackson’s residence exposed large amounts of blood and large holes in the walls, shaped disturbingly like a toddler’s head, consistent with the violent act Jackson had committed. Aaryan was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries five days later, a loss that echoed profoundly throughout the community and his family.
In her plea, Jackson admitted to her actions but claimed intoxication as a factor that impaired her awareness and memory during the crime, a statement made under a Norgaard plea. “I was so under the influence of drugs, I did not know what was doing at the time of the crime and am entering this plea on Norgaard basis,” said Jackson. This type of plea is used in Minnesota to allow defendants to plead guilty while acknowledging a lack of memory about the event due to intoxication or amnesia.
Alongside the murder charge, Jackson faced additional accusations of first-degree assault, malicious punishment of a child, and fleeing a peace officer. Ultimately, she was sentenced to serve a minimum of 17 1/2 years, with credit for 581 days already served. Ortez, expressing his grief and frustration, stated, “She deserves life in prison,” reflecting the profound betrayal and brutality of the act committed by Jackson.
The sentencing closes a painful chapter for the family of Aaryan, as they continue to grapple with the incomprehensible loss of a young life. The community and authorities hope that this case serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences of child abuse and the importance of safeguarding the most vulnerable.
