The courtroom was silent as Judge Clarissa Rowan took her seat. Six-year-old Avery Linton’s tragic final words—“My tummy hurts”—had haunted investigators. His mother’s live-in boyfriend, Trent Marwood, faced charges for his death.
Assistant District Attorney Helen Voss addressed the jury: Avery had pleaded for help, but Marwood dismissed him. Paramedic Jordan Hale testified: the boy lay pale on the floor, barely conscious, repeating his pain. Marwood called it “dramatic,” showing no concern. Avery’s mother, Naomi Linton, broke down on the stand, recounting how Marwood controlled her and ignored her son’s suffering.
Medical examiner Dr. Sylvie Markham confirmed blunt-force trauma caused Avery’s injuries. Despite Marwood’s testimony claiming he thought Avery exaggerated, his admission of ignoring the child sealed the case. Judge Rowan asked pointedly, “What does a six-year-old gain by pretending his stomach hurts?” Marwood’s silence answered.
After three hours of deliberation, the jury returned: guilty on homicide by abuse, failure to render aid, and reckless endangerment. Sentenced to life without parole, Marwood was led away. Yet the courtroom remained haunted by Avery’s quiet plea: “My tummy hurts”—a child’s voice that would never be forgotten.
