After months of emotional testimony and heartbreaking revelations, Nichole Scott has officially been sentenced to a minimum of 20 years in prison.
The charge?
Being responsible for the death of her 8-year-old stepson, Gavin Peterson — a case that shook the community and brought a wave of outrage across the country.
Scott, who entered the courtroom in shackles and an orange jumpsuit, showed little emotion as the sentence was handed down. But for Gavin’s family, it was a bittersweet moment — justice, yes, but no sentence could ever bring their boy back.
Prosecutors painted a chilling picture of prolonged neglect, emotional abuse, and an escalating pattern of cruelty that ended in tragedy. The judge called it “a betrayal of trust, safety, and love — the very things a child deserves most.”
Public reaction has been swift:
“She wasn’t a stepmom. She was a nightmare.”
“Gavin deserved better. At least now, he’s not forgotten.”
While the case is closed, the wound it left behind still feels wide open.