Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser announced that a grand jury had indicted Steven Griffin on eight counts, including First Degree Murder, in connection with the prolonged abuse that led to the death of his 16-year-old stepson, Daniel Garza.
According to the indictment, Griffin is accused of failing to provide Garza with adequate food and water and inflicting blunt force injuries that resulted in his death. The charges stem from incidents that occurred after Griffin, Garza, and Garza’s biological mother, Kristin Griffin, moved to Springfield from Washington state in November 2024. The family had been living in hotels during their time in Springfield.
On January 27, 2025, Daniel Garza was taken to St. John’s Hospital by his mother and stepfather. Upon arrival, he was unresponsive, not breathing, and had a body temperature of 86 degrees. Weighing only 94 pounds, he had suffered a subdural hemorrhage, burns to his face, neck, and chest, as well as extensive bruising and fractures. He was later transferred to St. Louis Children's Hospital and then to Indianapolis for specialized care, where he died on February 7, 2025.
In addition to First Degree Murder, Griffin faces charges of Aggravated Battery for allegedly throwing hot water on Garza, causing severe burns. The charge includes allegations that the act was intentional and intended to inflict extreme physical pain. He is also charged with Aggravated Domestic Battery, accused of striking Garza in the head with nunchucks and stomping on his ankle, leading to a fracture. Other charges include Endangering the Life or Health of a Child and Abuse or Criminal Neglect of a Person with a Disability.
Griffin was also indicted in a separate case involving a 16-year-old female from Springfield. The charges in that case include Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse, Indecent Solicitation of a Child, Grooming, Sexual Exploitation of a Child, and Distributing Harmful Material.