In a heartbreaking and deeply disturbing case from Minnesota, a 25-year-old woman named R. Garza has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the tragic death of a 3-year-old boy named Eastyn, who was in her care. Garza pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, admitting her role in the abuse that led to the child’s death.
The case has shocked the community and serves as a painful reminder of the dangers children face when left in the hands of the wrong people.
The Horrifying Incident
On March 18, 2024, emergency responders were called to an apartment after receiving a report about an unresponsive child. When officers arrived, they found young Eastyn in critical condition with visible injuries. Despite immediate medical attention, he was pronounced dead at the hospital shortly after.
At the time, Eastyn and his younger sister were staying with Garza and her 23-year-old partner, S. Erickson. The women were known to the children’s biological parents and had been caring for them for about two weeks.
Medical Report Reveals Extreme Abuse
A medical examination revealed that Eastyn died from a blunt-force injury that had ruptured his bowel. In addition to the fatal injury, he had 28 other injuries across his body, all suggesting repeated abuse. These horrifying findings made it clear that Eastyn had suffered long-term physical violence.
The child’s mother told police she hadn’t seen her children for two weeks. She believed Eastyn was just clumsy and his injuries were the result of accidents. She spoke to him a few hours before his death and said he didn’t seem well but didn’t realise the severity of his condition.
Caregivers’ Stories Don’t Match
A key witness, who had been called to the apartment late at night to look after the children, reported that Eastyn was very sick and became unresponsive after asking for water. This was just hours before his death.
Garza and Erickson gave conflicting stories about the injuries. They claimed he fainted while vomiting or fell off a bike the day before. Erickson also said that while Garza had been physically abusive towards her, she had never seen her harm the child.
Text Messages Uncover the Truth
But digital evidence told a different story. Text messages between the two women revealed a troubling attitude towards the children. One message, sent by Erickson to Garza just one day before Eastyn’s death, read:
“Ok, have fun with your little b—-. Go beat on her kid.”
This message strongly suggested that both women were aware of and complicit in the abuse. It was used by police to build a clearer picture of the repeated violence and neglect in the household.
Legal Outcome and What Happens Next
Garza pleaded guilty in March 2025 and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Under Minnesota law, she will serve at least two-thirds of the sentence, which means she will be behind bars for a minimum of 13 years, with the remaining time under supervised release.
Erickson, who is also charged with second-degree murder, has pleaded not guilty and is currently awaiting trial.
Meanwhile, Eastyn’s younger sister has been removed from the home and placed in protective custody.