A 23-year-old Oregon man has been sentenced to a decade behind bars after pleading guilty in connection with the death of his 4-year-old son, whose body was found covered in bruises, scars and what appeared to be cigarette burns following weeks in his father’s care.
Marquavious Ware was sentenced this week after accepting a plea deal that reduced original murder and assault charges to second-degree manslaughter. He will receive credit for the more than three years he has already spent in custody since his 2023 arrest.
According to court records, the boy, identified as Jhorden, had been dropped off with Ware for what was supposed to be a two-day visit. His mother, who held custody, said Ware refused to return the child, keeping him for close to a month.
Investigators say the child suffered blunt force trauma and a collapsed heart, along with signs of severe malnutrition and dehydration. A relative who was present told police they witnessed disturbing scenes in the home, including blood found in the bedroom and bathroom on the day the child died.
Court documents allege the father grew angry with the boy over bedwetting incidents and for hiding candy in his bed. Medical staff who examined the child after he was rushed to a hospital reportedly documented extensive bruising across much of his body, believed to have developed over a span of several weeks.
The child’s mother has said she noticed signs of abuse during a video call and shared photos with authorities beforehand, but officials allegedly indicated little action could be taken given the father’s parental rights. A separate civil case seeking damages from state and city agencies remains pending, accusing officials of failing to act on earlier warning signs.
At sentencing, Ware’s attorney expressed regret on his client’s behalf and disputed responsibility for some of the injuries.