Couple Sentenced to 30 Years for Neglect of 7-Year-Old Boy Who Died

The boy weighed just 32 pounds when he died, the weight of a toddler.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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When police arrived at a home in Indianapolis in December 2024, they found 7-year-old Kayden Gavarrete unresponsive on the floor with multiple injuries. His father, Kevin Gavarrete, and his girlfriend, Julia Sizemore, gave strange stories about what happened, but the awful truth soon came out - the boy was severely malnourished and neglected. Both Gavarrete and Sizemore pleaded guilty to neglect of a dependent resulting in death and were sentenced to 30 years in prison.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the devastating consequences of child neglect and the importance of speaking up when suspecting abuse. It also raises questions about how the system failed to intervene and protect Kayden, despite the clear signs of maltreatment.

The details

When police responded to the home, they found Kayden with small burn marks on his face and body and weighing just 32 pounds at 7 years old. Gavarrete claimed Kayden's injuries were from 'throwing tantrums' and 'falling to the ground too hard.' Sizemore initially said she saw Kayden fine, but later changed her story, claiming she asked Gavarrete to take the boy to the hospital because he 'was not eating anything,' but Gavarrete refused.

  • On December 22, 2024, police responded to the home and found Kayden unresponsive.
  • In February 2026, over a year later, Gavarrete and Sizemore pleaded guilty and were sentenced to 30 years in prison.

The players

Kayden Gavarrete

A 7-year-old boy who died from severe neglect and malnutrition, weighing only 32 pounds at the time of his death.

Kevin Gavarrete

Kayden's father, who was convicted of neglect of a dependent resulting in death.

Julia Sizemore

Kayden's father's girlfriend, who was also convicted of neglect of a dependent resulting in death.

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What’s next

The judge's sentencing of Gavarrete and Sizemore to 30 years in prison marks the conclusion of the criminal case, but Kayden's family and community will continue to grapple with the lasting impact of this tragedy.

The takeaway

This heartbreaking case underscores the vital importance of recognizing and reporting signs of child abuse and neglect. It serves as a somber reminder that we all have a responsibility to protect the most vulnerable members of our society.