Drake Weston, 4

Drake Weston, a 4-year-old white boy, died of pneumonia on Feb. 27 at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. Coroner's officials determined that Drake's death was also caused, in part, by a March 2005 beating that left him in a vegetative state.

Drake's mother had left him in the care of her boyfriend, Robert William Ross, at their Lakewood home while she went to work. Ross, 27, was accused of beating the child about the head, causing severe brain injuries that left him with the abilities of a 4-month-old infant, a coroner's spokesman said.

Last year, Ross pleaded no contest to a charge of assault likely to cause great bodily injury or death to a child. He was given a 9-year prison sentence that was suspended and was placed on five years probation. In July, Ross admitted violating his probation and was sentenced in September to the full nine years in prison. Los Angeles County sheriff's homicide Det. Philip Guzman said investigators are trying to determine whether there is enough evidence to prosecute Ross for Drake's death.--Jack Leonard/LAT

Comments

[P]

If you really want to know how hard all of this is....then take it from my standpoint. I sat with Drake for many months in the hospital. Went to his funeral. And even saw this guy in court get nine years and saw first hand how messed up our court system is. And held Drake's mom's hand while we were in court. And we do hope the DA has the guts to prosecute Bobbie for murder.
Drake's Grandfather
info_pcdesigngroup com

[Miguel]

I can not believe that this animal only got probation for this crime. What is wrong with the system? This man should be given life for this crime.

[Bruce]

What kind of judge gives probation to a child murderer?

[K.Winn]

Agree with the other comments..this animal deserved jail and not 9 years but life and instead he was sentenced to probation..so whatcha gotta do to get jail time..oh yeah..abuse a dog..this is sickening.

[Rudy]

Guy beats a small child senseless and doesn't go to jail????

What kind of state is California these days? Violent criminals need to be locked up. I don't care about the pot smoker.

Sick, sick world and government.

[Mark]

THIS GUY HITS A CHILD SO HARD THE BOY IS TURNED INTO AN INFANT.... AND HE DOEST GO TO JAIL?

I HOPE SOMEONE CAN IDENTIFY THE PROSECUTOR AND JUDGE FOR THIS TRAVESTY OF JUSTICE!!!!!!!