Illinois man faces murder charges after alleged abuse, torture lead to stepson's death

ILLINOIS - An Illinois man faces multiple charges, including murder, after authorities say abuse and torture led to the death of his 16-year-old stepson.

What we know:

Steven Griffin, 44, was indicted on eight counts, including first-degree murder, in the death of his stepson, Daniel Garza, according to Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser and a report from FOX News. 

Pictured is Steven Griffin, 44. (Sangamon County Jail )

Griffin allegedly withheld food and water and caused blunt force injuries to Daniel’s body and head. Prosecutors said Daniel died from blunt force trauma and starvation.

The charges also claim Griffin threw hot water on Daniel, struck him with nunchucks, and stomped on his ankle.

The backstory:

Griffin and Daniel’s mother, Kristin, moved from Washington state to Springfield in November and were living in hotels.

On Jan. 27, the couple took Daniel to St. John’s Hospital. He was unresponsive, not breathing, had a body temperature of 86 degrees, and weighed just 94 pounds, FOX News reports. 

Daniel had a subdural hemorrhage, burns, bruising, and fractures, authorities said.

He was transferred to St. Louis Children’s Hospital and eventually to Indianapolis for specialized care, where he died Feb. 7.

Charges Filed:

Griffin also faces charges of endangering a child’s life or health and abuse or neglect of a person with a disability. He is separately charged in an unrelated case involving a 16-year-old girl from Springfield with aggravated criminal sexual abuse and indecent solicitation of a child, FOX News reports.

Kristin Griffin is also charged with endangering the life or health of a child and abuse or neglect of a person with a disability. 

For more on this story, visit FOX News' website here.