In January 2023, 7-year-old Jaevion Riley from New Hampshire was rushed to the hospital after suffering severe burns and beatings inflicted by his father, Murtadah Mohammad. Despite efforts to save him, Jaevion passed away from his injuries. His mother described the heartbreaking ordeal, saying her son’s heart stopped twice and had to be resuscitated.
Father Sentenced to 45 Years for Son’s Murder
On May 27, Mohammad was sentenced to 45 years in prison for the murder of Jaevion. However, the boy’s mother, Rainah Riley, believes the punishment isn’t enough and has publicly accused state authorities of ignoring repeated warnings about her son’s welfare.
Warnings Ignored Despite Signs of Abuse
Riley reported signs of abuse and bruises on Jaevion’s body to the New Hampshire Division for Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) multiple times before the boy’s death. Despite her calls for wellness checks, the agency reportedly failed to intervene.
“I called for wellness checks on him when he was with him, for the bruising, and nobody did anything,” Riley said. “The system has failed not only my child, but so many children.”
Details of Abuse and Delayed Help
Mohammad pleaded guilty to reckless second-degree murder and falsifying physical evidence. Prosecutors revealed he waited 12 hours before calling 911, prolonging Jaevion’s suffering. The father staged a false accident to cover up the burns and claimed he was in the shower when the injuries happened.
Judge Condemns Father’s Actions at Sentencing
During sentencing, Judge William Delker described the abuse as a “sustained campaign” over five days. Jaevion suffered third-degree burns on 15% of his body, a skull fracture, and a knocked-out tooth. The judge expressed hope that Jaevion lost consciousness before enduring all the pain.
“He must have screamed his heart out when you whipped and beat him, and none of that deterred you,” the judge said.
Mohammad apologized during sentencing, blaming drugs and alcohol, but the judge rejected this excuse, emphasizing the severity of the abuse and the father’s lack of full accountability.
Mother Remembers Jaevion’s Bright Spirit
Jaevion’s mother shared touching memories of her son, describing his smile as something that “would light up an entire room.” She expressed her heartbreak and frustration over the tragedy, calling the abuse “disgusting” and “sickening.”