Father Sentenced in Death of Two-Year-Old Son in LA
The court issued a 10-year sentence to Durrell Dionte Daniels following a plea of no contest to child abuse.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Child Care
Durrell Dionte Daniels has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading no contest to child abuse resulting in the death of his two-year-old son, Legacy. The court granted credit for the more than 2,200 days Daniels has already served in custody since his 2020 arrest.
Why it matters
The sentencing concludes a legal process that began after prosecutors determined they could not prove a murder charge in the 2019 incident. A 10-year protective order has also been issued to safeguard the victim's mother and siblings.
The court sentenced Daniels to 10 years for the child abuse charge, accounting for 2,200 days of credit for time served. Charges of murder and assault on a child causing death were dismissed by the court.
The players
Durrell Dionte Daniels
The defendant who pleaded no contest to child abuse resulting in the death of his two-year-old son.
Legacy
The two-year-old victim of the abuse incident occurring on South Whitmer Street.
The details
The conviction stems from an incident on South Whitmer Street involving the death of a two-year-old boy. Following the prosecution's assessment that a murder charge could not be successfully proven, Daniels entered a no contest plea to the charge of child abuse under conditions likely to cause great bodily injury.
Timeline
June 6, 2019: Legacy died following the incident on South Whitmer Street.
October 2020: Durrell Dionte Daniels was arrested by authorities.
December 2023: The court conducted a preliminary hearing for Daniels.
October 23, 2026: Daniels entered his plea and received his sentence.
The Home Front
This case highlights the judicial application of California sentencing laws in cases involving child abuse and child fatalities. The outcome underscores the role of plea negotiations in determining final prison terms when prosecutors conclude specific charges cannot be fully proven in court.
Residents seeking information on support services or safety reporting should contact local child protective agencies. If you are navigating a family legal crisis, consult with a licensed attorney to understand your rights regarding protective orders and court proceedings.
The takeaway
This case serves as a reminder of the legal pathways taken when criminal charges are contested in family abuse incidents. Families impacted by similar situations can seek resources through professional legal counsel to ensure the safety of survivors and siblings under existing protective orders.
Further reading
For more information on family safety and advocacy resources in the area, visit Child Care.
Source note: This article includes information reported by My News LA.
