Mom gets life for killing toddler who died with ‘bruising all over his body’ and internal temperature of 81 degrees

Samantha Dawn Mathis (Levelland Police Dept.) and Elijah Lebario (Head Duarte Funeral Home)

Samantha Dawn Mathis (Levelland Police Dept.) and Elijah Lebario (Head Duarte Funeral Home)

A 29-year-old mother in Texas will spend the remainder of her days behind bars after admitting to brutally killing her 2-year-old son, beating the boy to death in a horrific fashion. Hockley County District Court Judge J. Pat Phelan on Thursday ordered Samantha Dawn Mathis to serve a sentence of life in prison after she pleaded guilty to one count of murder of a child under age 10 in the 2020 slaying of young Elijah Lebario, authorities announced.

In addition to murder, Mathis also pleaded guilty to one count of felony injury to a child. Judge Phelan sentenced her to 10 years in prison, to be served consecutively, meaning after the completion of her life sentence. She will also be required to pay a $10,000 fine.

Mathis had originally been indicted on a charge of capital murder but pleaded to a lesser charge as part of an agreement with prosecutors.

The 286th Judicial District Attorney, Angela L. Overman, applauded Thursday’s sentencing, saying it “underscores the gravity of these crimes and sends a clear message that such actions will not be tolerated.”

“The successful resolutions in these cases serve as a testament to the relentless pursuit of justice by our legal team,” Overman’s office said in a press release. “We extend our gratitude to the community for their unwavering support throughout these proceedings, and we shall continue to fulfill our duty in safeguarding the interests of our fellow citizens.”

Mathis’ boyfriend at the time, Robert Garza Jr., was also arrested and charged with capital murder in connection with Elijah’s death. He has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial.

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