Jury finds Michael Valva guilty on all counts, including second-degree murder, in death of his son Thomas
A jury has found Michael Valva guilty on all counts, including second-degree murder, in the death of his son Thomas Valva.
The former NYPD officer faces 25 years to life after being convicted of the top charge.
The decision was reached at 6:03 p.m. Friday following less than a day of jury deliberations.
Members of the jury asked to hear the father's 911 call, see some photos in evidence and watch the two-hour clip of surveillance footage from the day that Thomas Valva died before they reached their verdict.
In closing statements Thursday, Valva's defense said the Center Moriches father loved his son Thomas and did what he could try to save him on the day he died.
Meanwhile, prosecutors told jurors that Michael Valva beat, starved and emotionally abused his sons Thomas and Anthony for months.
Prosecutors also said he treated Thomas Valva so poorly in the final moments of his life that he should be convicted of the top murder charge.
Thomas Valva died of hypothermia. Prosecutors say his father repeatedly made him and his brother sleep in their unheated garage in winter.
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Family 'shocked and saddened' by death of 8-year-old boy in Center Moriches
Mother of slain 8-year-old says father was abusive for years
Death of Center Moriches boy leaves question about process of reporting child abuse allegations
Prosecutors outline ‘house of horrors’ abuse that led to Thomas Valva’s death
DA: Father, fiancée watched 8-year-old boy die in freezing garage in Center Moriches
Mother of slain 8-year-old says father was abusive for years
Death of Center Moriches boy leaves question about process of reporting child abuse allegations
Prosecutors outline ‘house of horrors’ abuse that led to Thomas Valva’s death
DA: Father, fiancée watched 8-year-old boy die in freezing garage in Center Moriches
Photo courtesy Steve Pfost, Newsday/Pool