Father, stepmom should be found guilty of murder in boy’s death: prosecutor

BRAMPTON, Ont. – Prosecutors say a father and stepmother accused of killing the man’s 10-year-old son should both be found guilty of murder.

Garfield Boothe and his wife Nichelle Boothe-Rowe are charged with second-degree murder in the 2011 death of Shakeil Boothe.

They pointed the finger at each other through their lawyers Wednesday, with each accusing the other of delivering the brutal beating that ended Shakeil’s life.

READ MORE: Stepmom didn’t intend for Shakeil Boothe to die: lawyer

In his closing arguments today, Crown lawyer Brian McGuire said Shakeil was already in a “downward spiral” toward death before the final assault.

He said both accused were to blame for the months of abuse and starvation the boy endured, which also contributed to his death.

Court has heard autopsy results showed Shakeil suffered heavy repeated blows that caused widespread internal bleeding and overwhelmed his weakened body.