Florida Mother Sentenced To 60 Years For Complicity In Brutal Torture Of 5 Year Old Son

Taylor Schaefer was sentenced to 60 years in prison for her role in the abuse and torture of her son, who was beaten and caged by her boyfriend.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 10, 2026, 12:39 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from KCRG (Gray Local Media)

Decades Of Prison Time For Failure To Protect Child

A Volusia County judge has delivered a 60 year prison sentence to Taylor Schaefer following a harrowing investigation into the treatment of her 5 year old son. The case, which came to light in 2023, centered on evidence of extreme physical abuse occurring within the family home in DeLand, Florida. Schaefer entered an open plea to multiple charges, effectively leaving her fate in the hands of the court after investigators presented graphic evidence of the child's suffering.

Graphic Video Evidence Of Systematic Torture

The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office built their case around a series of disturbing videos found during the initial investigation. The footage depicted Schaefer’s boyfriend, Shawn Stone, inflicting severe physical punishment on the 5 year old victim. Beyond physical beatings, the evidence showed the child being held for hours with his hands bound behind his back, being tied up, and being forced into a dog cage. Further reports indicated that the boy was frequently denied food as a form of punishment.

Failure To Provide Medical Care For Visible Injuries

A key component of the prosecution’s argument was Schaefer’s proximity to the abuse and her subsequent inaction. According to statements released by the sheriff’s office, Schaefer was in the residence while these acts were being filmed and committed. Deputies noted that on multiple occasions, the child was seen limping and covered in visible injuries in her presence. Despite the obvious physical distress of her son, records show she never sought medical attention or contacted law enforcement for assistance.