A former New York City police officer was sentenced to 25 years in prison Thursday for murdering his 8-year-old son, who prosecutors say was abused during his short life.
Michael Valva, 45, allegedly forced his son, Thomas, to sleep in an unheated garage in sub-zero temperatures in January 2020, resulting in the boy’s death. He was convicted in November of second-degree murder and other crimes, Fox New York reported.
“I have already sentenced myself to a life of extreme regret, remorse and pain,” Valva said as he addressed a judge before his sentencing.
NYC MAN ARRESTED IN BROAD DAYLIGHT BASEBALL BAT ATTACK CAUTIONED ON VIDEO
Michael Valva, a former New York police officer, was sentenced Thursday to 25 years in prison for the death of his 8-year-old son.
(fake images)
Investigators said the boy suffered abuse and neglect by Valva and his then-girlfriend, Angela Pollina, beginning around September 2017.
A report from the East Moriches School District on Long Island said Thomas and his brother arrived at school hungry and cold, dirty or marked with scratches, bruises and cuts on multiple occasions.
“This is one of the most difficult and heartbreaking cases I have experienced in my nearly 30 years as a prosecutor,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney. “The torture that killed Thomas and endangered Anthony’s well-being was wicked. Fortunately, this defendant’s story ends here, but the search for justice for Thomas and Anthony continues.”
Evidence presented during the trial included security video showing Valva yelling at Thomas and ordering him to come out into the freezing temperatures to wash him down with water, causing the boy to lose consciousness and fall face-first multiple times onto the playground. backyard concrete pavers. reported the media.
Michael Valva and Angela Pollina sit together inside Suffolk County Supreme Court Justice William Condon’s courtroom for his murder trials in Riverhead, New York on September 12.
(fake images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Pollina is accused of second–degree murder and four counts of endangering the welfare of a child. His trial is scheduled to begin on February 21.
