Gloria Yvette Williams, 38, has been sentenced to 50 years in prison after pleading guilty to failing to protect her 8-year-old son Kendrick Lee, who was beaten to death by her boyfriend.
The mother, who watched the brutal abuse unfold, then forced Kendrick’s three siblings to live with his decaying body for nearly a year.
The tragic death of Kendrick, which occurred in late 2020, came to light in October 2021 when his 15-year-old brother called 911, revealing the horrifying living conditions the children endured in a West Houston apartment.
The siblings, aged 7, 10, and 15, had been left to fend for themselves, living in the apartment with Kendrick’s body wrapped in a blue blanket for months after his death.
Detectives were horrified by the children’s accounts, with the 7-year-old sibling describing the disturbing moment when Kendrick’s eyes stopped blinking during the violent beating.
Williams was charged with causing serious bodily injury by omission due to her inaction. While prosecutors focused on her failure to protect Kendrick, showing text messages between Williams and her boyfriend, Brian Ward Coulter, the defense argued that Coulter was the sole abuser.
Coulter, who was found guilty of first-degree murder, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in April after a five-day bench trial.
During her sentencing hearing, Williams expressed regret for allowing her children to live with Kendrick’s body but claimed she did so to shield them from Coulter’s violent behavior.
Despite this claim, prosecutors presented evidence showing that Williams was well aware of Coulter’s abusive tendencies but chose to stay in the relationship, prioritizing her bond with him over the safety and well-being of her children.
Text messages presented in court revealed a chilling lack of concern for the children’s welfare.
Despite questioning Coulter’s actions, Williams continued to profess her love for him, a sentiment that prosecutors argued demonstrated her failure to protect Kendrick and her other children.
The children, who were subjected to a horrific and traumatic environment, have now been placed in the care of relatives. The case highlighted the heartbreaking neglect and abuse Kendrick endured, with prosecutors stating that it was crucial to give the young boy a voice after he had been silenced by the actions of those who were supposed to care for him.
Assistant District Attorney Celeste Byrom called Kendrick’s death “tragic” and expressed gratitude for the conviction, noting that it was vital for justice to be served on behalf of the victim.
“The facts of this case would shake you to the core,” said co-counsel Edward A. Appelbaum, adding, “It’s a horrific act.”
Williams will spend the next five decades behind bars for her role in her son’s death and her failure to act as a mother to protect her children.
