Concord, NH – Danielle Dauphinais, 38, faces a potential life sentence for her role in the 2021 death of her 5-year-old son, Elijah Lewis, whose body was found in a Massachusetts park. The boy, weighing only 19 pounds at the time of discovery, had suffered severe abuse, malnutrition, and drug exposure. Dauphinais is scheduled to appear in court Friday for sentencing after pleading guilty last month to second-degree murder and other related charges as part of a plea agreement.
Elijah’s tragic death involved Dauphinais and her boyfriend, Joseph Stapf, who was sentenced in 2022 to 22 to 45 years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter, second-degree assault, evidence tampering, and witness tampering. Stapf’s and Dauphinais’ text exchanges revealed harsh and hostile views toward Elijah, expressing frustration over his behavior.
An autopsy confirmed Elijah endured physical injuries, malnourishment, and acute fentanyl poisoning. The case has drawn widespread attention, highlighting both the abuse he suffered and the legal consequences for those responsible.
Key Points:
- Life Sentence Sought for Mother: Danielle Dauphinais, 38, faces a sentence of over 50 years to life in prison for the death of her 5-year-old son, Elijah Lewis, found in 2021.
- Child’s Severe Abuse and Neglect: Elijah weighed only 19 pounds when his body was discovered, showing signs of starvation, physical injuries, and fentanyl exposure.
- Guilty Plea and Sentencing: Dauphinais pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and other charges in a plea agreement, avoiding a trial; she is scheduled for sentencing on Friday.
- Co-defendant’s Sentencing: Joseph Stapf, Dauphinais’ boyfriend, received 22 to 45 years in prison in 2022 for manslaughter and related charges in Elijah’s death.
- Evidence of Hostility: Text messages between Dauphinais and Stapf showed anger and frustration directed at Elijah, underscoring a pattern of neglect and abuse.
