Idaho woman gets life in prison for torturing and fatally abusing 9-year-old stepson

ADA COUNTY, Idaho (TCD) -- A 29-year-old woman was sentenced to life in prison for her role in the torture and death of her 9-year-old stepson.

On Thursday, June 9, the Ada County Prosecutor's Office announced Monique Osuna's sentencing, adding that she will serve the term without the opportunity for parole.

According to the statement, in the spring and summer of 2020, Osuna "inflicted physical, emotional, and psychological abuse" on her stepson, Emrik. She reportedly forced the little boy to do "hours" of physical exercise outside. Then, she would reportedly beat and starve him.

Emrik's abuse and torture was reportedly recorded on a "nanny camera." According to the Idaho Statesman, on Sept. 1, 2020, Meridian Police responded to a call regarding a medical emergency at the Osuna residence. Emrik reportedly did not have a heartbeat and he had visible signs of abuse on his body. He was taken to St. Luke's Regional Medical Center where he died.

Ada County District Judge Steven Hippler reportedly said during the sentencing Osuna was "sadistic, evil, and heartless" for what she did to Emrik. Hippler also placed a 100-year no-contact order between Osuna and the children who saw the abuse.

The Idaho Statesman reports Emrik weighed 41 pounds at his death. He reportedly had deep bruising on his body, and a doctor at St. Luke's said Emrik's injuries showed "severe neglect, severe physical abuse and an overall pattern of child torture."

The little boy also had signs of starvation, dehydration, and was hypothermic when taken to the hospital.

Nanny camera footage reportedly showed Osuna saying, "I want you to get thirsty. I want you to get hungry. I want you to starve, to get dehydrated."

At her sentencing hearing, Osuna reportedly said, "I know what I did was wrong."

According to the Ada County Prosecutor, Osuna's husband, Erik Osuna, pleaded guilty to murder in March.

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