New Hampshire woman pleads guilty to murdering son, Elijah Lewis

Danielle Dauphinais, a 38-year-old woman from New Hampshire, is set to plead guilty to second-degree murder and two counts of witness tampering in connection with the death of her 5-year-old son, Elijah Lewis. The plea agreement, filed in court, indicates that she could face a maximum sentence of 55 years in prison. Elijah was reported missing in October 2021, and his remains were later discovered in a Massachusetts park, revealing signs of severe abuse and neglect. An autopsy revealed that Elijah suffered from facial and scalp injuries, acute fentanyl intoxication, malnourishment, and pressure ulcers. His physical condition at the time of death was alarming; he was only 19 pounds and 3 feet tall, significantly below the average for his age. The investigation into his disappearance led to the arrest of Dauphinais and her boyfriend, Joseph Stapf, who was previously sentenced to 22 to 45 years in prison after pleading guilty to several charges, including manslaughter. Evidence presented during Stapf's sentencing included text messages between him and Dauphinais that displayed hostility towards Elijah. Following the discovery of the boy's remains, prosecutors detailed how the couple attempted to conceal their actions by burying his body in a park after his death. The case has drawn significant attention due to the horrific nature of the abuse and the failure of child welfare systems to protect Elijah. Dauphinais had initially pleaded not guilty to the charges against her but has since opted to change her plea. The tragic circumstances surrounding Elijah's death highlight the critical need for vigilance in child welfare and the consequences of neglect and abuse.