An Irish woman will spend decades behind bars for abusing and killing her boyfriend’s son in Limerick, Ireland.
Central Criminal Court Justice Paul McDermott handed down a life sentence to 32-year-old Tegan McGhee for the abuse and beating death of 4-year-old Mason O'Connell Conway. McGhee initially pleaded not guilty, but after prosecutors disclosed overwhelming medical evidence during her trial. She changed her plea to guilty, according to RTE.
On March 13, 2021, first responders rushed Mason to the hospital after his father, McGhee’s co-defendant, John Paul O'Connell, reported the child had fallen from a bunk bed. However, hospital officials were alarmed after they discovered Mason was covered in bruises from head to toe, his ribs broken, liver lacerated, and suffering from severe brain injury.
Mason succumbed to his injuries after his life support was turned off three days later.
Later authorities discovered the victim had been subjected to weeks of physical abuse after McGhee struck his head off the floor, and beat him with a blunt force object, which led to the boy’s liver being lacerated. During the trial, family members heard how Mason was isolated and kept upstairs while family events such as birthdays took place downstairs. In addition, family members were not allowed to visit, and scheduled video calls by the mother’s family were also denied.
“I’ve never said anything about this before because they weren’t allowed to be named. Not me or any member of my family knew of the horrific things that happened to Mason. He was kept from his family as well as us. We believed he had fallen from a bunk bed, as did everyone else. Although no amount of time can ever compare to the life she stole from Mason. To sit in court and watch her not even show a flicker of emotion speaks volumes - she is evil,” said McGhee’s sister Shannon McGhee, reported Limerick Live.
Mason had been living with his father and McGhee after his mother, Elizabeth Conway, was suffering from mental health issues.
O'Connell pleaded guilty to neglect and impeding the prosecution of the defendant despite being aware she was responsible for his son’s demise. He was sentenced to 7 years in prison.
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