Tyler Peterson sentenced in death of 12-year-old brother Gavin
Feb 17, 2026, 12:26 PM | Updated: 12:58 pm
Tyler Peterson is ushered into a court room by corrections officers for a preliminary hearing. He is facing a child abuse homicide charge in connection to the death of Gavin Peterson, 12. (Pool)
(Pool)
SALT LAKE CITY — After 12-year-old Gavin Peterson tragically died in 2024, an emotional court case ensued, condemning his West Haven father, stepmother, and older brother to the possibility of life in prison on charges of child abuse homicide, among others.
On Tuesday, the last domino in the case finally fell as the final prison sentence was handed to his brother, 23-year-old Tyler Peterson.
Peterson was sentenced Tuesday to a term of five years to life, another of one to 15 years and another of one to 15 years, with credit for his time already served, for the abuse and death of his brother. The sentences were ordered to run concurrently.
His sentencing had previously been postponed while the court awaited the results of a psychological evaluation. On Tuesday, the judge handed down the prison term, bringing the criminal proceedings in the case to a close.
Peterson pleaded guilty last May to first-degree child abuse homicide, two counts of second-degree felony aggravated child abuse and one count of second-degree felony obstruction of justice. The charges stem from the prolonged abuse and ultimate death of Gavin.
Peterson’s father, Shane Peterson, and stepmother, Nichole Lea Scott, also pleaded guilty to multiple charges connected to prolonged abuse, torture and murder.
The prison sentences they received reflect the cumulative penalties for the numerous charges filed against them.
Shane Peterson was sentenced to five years to life in prison. Nichole Lea Scott received a sentence of 20 years to life.
After Tyler Peterson’s sentencing, all three defendants in the case have now been held accountable in court. He will have 30 days to appeal the ruling.
In the aftermath of Gavin’s death, legislators worked to ensure the system surrounding reports made to Child Protective Services and the Division of Child and Family Services don’t go unaddressed.
With the legal process in Gavin’s case now largely concluded, the loss of the smiling 12-year-old continues to weigh heavily on those who knew and loved him.
Read more: Gavin Peterson’s father receives max sentence for child abuse homicide
