DeLand, Florida — A Florida man has been sentenced to 45 years in prison after authorities said he repeatedly abused his girlfriend’s 5-year-old son, leaving the child with about 45 visible injuries and a fractured skull. The boy was also allegedly handcuffed or bound for hours at a time and placed inside a dog cage as punishment.
Shawn Stone, 36, pleaded no contest to multiple charges, including child abuse, child neglect and false imprisonment, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said Stone repeatedly beat and tortured the child while the boy’s mother, Taylor Schaefer, was present during some of the abuse but failed to intervene or report what was happening.
Investigation Began After Mother Checked Surveillance Video
The investigation began in May 2023, when Schaefer reportedly became suspicious that her live-in boyfriend was abusing her young son.
According to authorities, she checked surveillance footage from inside the home and saw evidence that confirmed her suspicions. She then contacted police.
However, investigators later determined that Schaefer had been present in the home for much of the abuse and did not stop it or immediately seek medical care for the child.
Deputies said:
“On several occasions the boy was visibly injured and limping in her presence, but received no care or medical attention. Video showed he was not only beaten, but repeatedly left with his hands bound behind his back for hours at a time.”
Schaefer later pleaded no contest to aggravated child abuse, conspiracy to commit child neglect with great bodily harm and failure to report child abuse, among other charges.
A judge sentenced her earlier this year to 60 years in prison.
Boy Was Bound for Nearly 19 Hours
Investigators reviewing surveillance footage found multiple incidents involving the child being restrained.
In one incident, authorities said Stone kept the boy’s hands tied behind his back from approximately 6:43 p.m. until 2:02 p.m. the following day, meaning the child remained restrained for roughly 19 hours.
In another incident, deputies said the boy’s legs, feet, arms and torso were bound for at least an hour while Stone stood over him.
Authorities also said the boy was sometimes placed inside a dog cage and punished through food deprivation.
The footage allegedly captured Stone yelling at and kicking the already injured child. Investigators said Schaefer could also be seen entering the area and telling the boy to stand up straight.
Doctors Found About 45 Visible Injuries
The extent of the child’s injuries became clear when authorities and medical professionals examined him.
Deputies said doctors identified approximately 45 visible injuries, while the boy also suffered internal injuries that included a fractured skull.
Stone was arrested on May 9, 2023, after authorities said he beat the boy with a mop handle, punched and kicked him, and then fled from police on a four-wheeler.
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Investigators subsequently obtained additional surveillance footage from inside the residence, which they said documented further incidents of abuse.
Other Children Were Also Allegedly Victimized
Investigators said the case involved more than one child inside the home.
According to law enforcement, another child was allegedly forced to drink boiling water, sprayed with boiling water and beaten with household objects. That child also reportedly witnessed the abuse of the younger boy.
A third child living in the residence allegedly did not receive appropriate nutrition or care for a serious medical condition.
Authorities removed the children from the residence and placed them in what deputies described as a safe environment.
Officials React to the Prison Sentences
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood strongly condemned the abuse following Stone’s sentencing.
Chitwood said:
“I know Scumbag Shawn Stone will be treated better in his cage than the victim was, but at least he’s no longer free to inflict pain and suffering on innocent kids,”
State Attorney R.J. Larizza also addressed the case, saying:
“Cases like this ignite the shock, disbelief and anger of any loving parent or caregiver. The ongoing vicious abuse caused chronic and profound pain and suffering that no punishment can erase.”
Chitwood also said the children are now in safe hands and shared information about a fundraising campaign intended to support them.
The 45-year sentence means Stone will spend decades behind bars for the abuse documented by investigators, while Schaefer’s separate 60-year sentence keeps both adults involved in the case imprisoned for many years.
What are your thoughts on the outcome of this disturbing child abuse case? Share your reaction in the comments, and let us know what you think about the sentences handed down in the case.