A former New York police officer has been found guilty of second-degree murder for the death of his eight-year-old son, who was forced to sleep on the concrete floor of an unheated garage. Michael Valva, 43, was convicted on Friday after a month-long trial in Suffolk County, New York.
Thomas Valva died in January 2020 after being made to spend 16 consecutive hours in the garage, where temperatures dropped to -6°C. A medical examiner ruled the death a homicide, with hypothermia as a major contributing factor. Valva also faces four counts of child endangerment for abusing Thomas and his 10-year-old brother, both of whom are on the autism spectrum.
Prosecutors said Valva did nothing to help his son as the boy died in front of him and then lied to police and first responders. The child endangerment charges stem from evidence that the boys were beaten and starved, with teachers testifying they came to school with bruises and were often so hungry they ate crumbs off the floor.
Valva's former fiancée, Angela Pollina, also faces second-degree murder and child endangerment charges and is awaiting trial. She has pleaded not guilty. School officials had expressed concerns about the children's safety and made complaints to Child Protective Services prior to Thomas's death.
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney said in a statement: 'While there is nothing that we can do to bring Thomas back, we are satisfied with the jury's decision. Michael Valva subjected his sons to horrific abuse, neglect and cruelty. He will now pay for cutting short the life of a young, innocent, defenseless boy who had a lifetime ahead of him.'
Valva faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for a later date.
