Hospital staff called police within three minutes of the boy arriving. That's how clear it was that something was wrong.
Samantha Dawn Mathis was sentenced to life in prison in 2023 for the 2020 murder of her 2-year-old son, Elijah Lebario, in Levelland, Texas. Her boyfriend at the time, Robert Garza Jr., later received the same sentence.
What Happened
On February 4, 2020, Elijah was brought to Levelland Covenant Hospital unresponsive, with bruising across most of his body and a dangerously low internal temperature. Medical staff called police almost immediately, convinced his injuries weren't accidental. He was transferred to a Lubbock hospital, where he died in the operating room. Investigators later found that Elijah's 4-year-old brother had also been physically injured while in the couple's care.
Charges and Pleas
Mathis and Garza were both initially charged with capital murder, which in Texas carries a potential sentence of life without parole or death. In August 2023, Mathis pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of murder of a child under 10, along with a separate count of injury to a child, and was sentenced to life in prison plus an additional 10 years to be served afterward, with parole eligibility on the murder charge after 30 years.
Garza went on to plead guilty as well, roughly six weeks before his own trial was set to begin. In December 2023, he was sentenced to life in prison for Elijah's murder and an additional 40 years for the serious bodily injury inflicted on Elijah's older brother, with a deadly weapon enhancement attached to that second charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Were both defendants convicted?
Yes. Both Samantha Dawn Mathis and Robert Garza Jr. pleaded guilty and received life sentences, with Garza also receiving an additional 40 years for injuring Elijah's brother.
What happened to Elijah's older brother?
He was also injured while in the couple's care and was placed with other family members following the investigation.
When will Mathis and Garza be eligible for parole?
Mathis must serve 30 years before parole eligibility on the murder charge. Garza's sentencing terms include the 40-year enhancement served in connection with his life sentence.