Grandmother Guilty of Abusing, Killing Grandson

Published on September 29, 2017

GREELEY, Colo. (Weld County D.A.) – A grandmother on trial for abusing and killing her 4-month-old grandson was found guilty today by a Weld County jury.

Sandy Archuleta, 54, is the second co-defendant to be convicted of the child abuse death of Donovan Archuleta, who died in August 2015 after days of abuse and neglect.

According to police reports and court testimony, Archuleta, Donovan’s grandmother, was asked to babysit him while his mother, Angelica Chavez, had other obligations.

“Donovan was a happy, healthy 4-month-old baby when his mother dropped him off,” said Chief Deputy District Attorney Ben Whitney. “But over the course of the next week, he was pinched, bruised, broken and burned. He’s dead because of the defendant.”

Medical records show Donovan had chemical burns on his face, mouth and gums, a sepsis infection from pneumonia and red bruises caused by pinching from tweezers. He also had broken ribs, which examiners said were not caused by CPR.

When Chavez, the boy’s mother, eventually returned home, she too ignored the warning signs and failed to get Donovan the help he needed. He later died at the Children’s Hospital in Denver from his injuries. Chavez is currently serving an 8-year prison sentence for her role in the boy’s death.

Donovan’s father Roberto “Nathan” Archuleta also faces charges. His next court date is November 2. Sandy Archuleta will be sentenced on January 11, when she faces up to 48 years in prison.