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Left: Matthew Nuttall (Jamestown police). Right: Isaac Benton (Peterson Funeral Home).
A 27-year-old man from New York confessed to violently assaulting his 16-month-old son, resulting in catastrophic injuries that left the child’s spine shattered during an autopsy.
Matthew Nuttall admitted to committing first-degree manslaughter for the tragic death of his young son, Isaac Benton, in Jamestown, a town in upstate New York. This admission was confirmed by the Chautauqua County District Attorney’s Office on Wednesday.
Authorities initiated their investigation on April 15, 2024, after receiving information about a suspicious death at a residence in Jamestown occurring two days prior. Through their investigation, detectives determined that Isaac succumbed to blunt force trauma inflicted by Nuttall at their home, leading to his arrest. According to a report by The Post-Journal, Nuttall, in a moment of frustration over his son’s persistent crying, hurled him into a portable crib, causing a severe spinal injury.
“Cases like these are the most devastating,” stated District Attorney Jason Schmidt in a public message. “At just 16 months old, Isaac was subjected to such brutal force against a Pack ‘n Play that his spinal column was found in pieces during the autopsy.”
Initially facing a trial set for Tuesday, Nuttall chose to plead guilty to the charges instead.
Jamestown Police Sgt. Daniel Overend said Nuttall committed “heinous acts.”
“We cannot imagine the hurt that the victim’s family is going through and will go through as the sentencing process commences,” he said. “Justice is neither served by excess nor by leniency that diminishes the seriousness of wrongdoing. When consequences are proportionate, they affirm the rule of law, reinforce community standards, and provide clarity that actions carry appropriate responsibility. We remain committed to advocating for outcomes that reflect these principles, that the sentencing handed down by the court is reflective of the wrongdoing that Nuttall committed and justice is appropriately served.”
A judge is slated to sentence Nuttall on April 20.
Isaac was born on Dec. 6, 2022, in Buffalo, according to his obituary.
“Isaac loved the movie ‘Toy Story,’ animals, enjoyed playing outside, and walks in the park,” the obituary said. “He adored his cousins and grandparents. The light he brought into this world will be forever missed.”