New Hampshire Mother Faces Sentencing for Son’s Tragic Death in Abuse Case

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Danielle Dauphinais, a 38-year-old mother from Merrimack, New Hampshire, is scheduled for sentencing after pleading guilty to charges surrounding the tragic death of her 5-year-old son, Elijah Lewis. In 2021, authorities discovered that Elijah endured prolonged abuse, including malnutrition, neglect, and fentanyl exposure, ultimately leading to his death. The boy’s body was found in a Massachusetts state park, buried in a shallow grave, in October of that year.

Prosecutors Reveal Disturbing Evidence of Abuse and Neglect

The investigation revealed multiple warning signs and documented evidence of severe neglect and assault. Dauphinais and her boyfriend, Joseph Stapf, initially faced witness tampering and child endangerment charges, with Stapf now serving a 22-to-45-year sentence for manslaughter. Prosecutors presented evidence showing that Dauphinais and Stapf isolated Elijah, restricted his food, and sent disturbing text messages revealing the abuse. One message even mentioned starvation as a disciplinary tool. Their arrests occurred in New York City following a police investigation that tracked their cell phones.

For more on related cases and child protection resources, visit Child Welfare Information Gateway.

Public Outcry and Continued Investigations

As this tragic case unfolds, the community has voiced sorrow and anger over Elijah’s treatment, with family members and friends advocating for justice and stricter child welfare measures. Prosecutors have stated that Elijah weighed only 19 pounds at his time of death—substantially lower than the average weight for a child his age.

This sentencing marks a significant step in what authorities call a devastating case of violence and neglect, raising awareness of child protection and the crucial role of community vigilance in such situations.