A grandmother involved in the tragic death of her two-year-old grandson posed a chilling question to police officers during their investigation. Kerry Ives and her husband, Michael Ives, have been sentenced after being found guilty of brutally murdering toddler Ethan Ives-Griffiths in August 2021.
Michael Ives received a minimum 23-year prison term for Ethan’s murder and an additional nine-year sentence for child cruelty, to be served concurrently. Kerry Ives was given a minimum 17-year sentence for Ethan’s murder and a six-year sentence for child cruelty, also to run concurrently.
Shannon Ives, Ethan’s mother, was sentenced to 12 years for allowing her son’s death and five years for child cruelty, to be served concurrently. She will serve two-thirds of her 12-year sentence before being released on licence.
The couple initially tried to appear as concerned grandparents, but their deceit was exposed after it was revealed that Ethan was deliberately harmed. The tragic toddler suffered fatal head injuries, likely caused by forceful actions, including possible shaking. Additionally, signs of abdominal injuries consistent with forceful blows were found.
Police bodycam footage released recently captured the moment when Kerry Ives was arrested for murder at her home. Despite the gravity of the situation, she seemed disoriented and casually asked if she could get dressed after being arrested.
During the trial, it was disclosed that the couple had tried to shift blame onto Shannon Ives for Ethan’s death. The court learned about the events leading up to Ethan’s collapse and subsequent death, including instances where the child was mistreated and handled in a cruel manner.
Ethan was taken to the hospital after collapsing, where he underwent brain surgery but tragically succumbed to his injuries. A post-mortem examination revealed Ethan’s severe injuries, including being severely underweight and covered in bruises.
Distressing CCTV footage from outside the family home depicted the abuse Ethan endured in his final days. The footage showed Ethan being mistreated by his father and neglected by his mother, reflecting the tragic circumstances leading to his untimely death.