Alesha Miller sentenced in 9-year-old Elijah Ross' death

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) -- Alesha Miller has been sentenced for beating her stepson Elijah Ross to death last December. 

Miller pled guilty to aggravated battery resulting in death and two level 6 felony counts of neglect in October. On Tuesday, she received 35 years in prison.

Karen Richards said in her 41 years as a prosecutor, this is the worst case of abuse she's seen.

“I think the brutality in this case was particularly troubling," she said. "I've never seen a child with this extent of injuries over every surface of his body.”

Alesha's wife and Elijah's mother Jenna Miller pleaded guilty to one level 1 felony count of neglect of a dependent and two level 6 felony counts of neglect of a dependent on Monday. She faces a maximum of 24 years in prison. 

Alesha Miller beat Elijah repeatedly with a wooden paddle, according to court documents, December 17, 2021. According to a probable cause affidavit, investigators said Elijah had bruises and abrasions over his whole body.

In court, Richards said Elijah's death was not quick, but took several hours. She said Alesha Miller's only redeeming quality was admitting guilt and taking a plea deal, keeping Elijah's two brothers from going to a trial.

"It's not a healthy thing to relive trauma. Its not a healthy thing to have to testify against your parent," Richards said. "And if a reasonable outcome can be achieved without further traumatizing the children that remain in this family, I think that's my obligation.” 

Alesha Miller wiped away tears as she apologized for Elijah's death, saying there's nothing she can do or say to make it better. Richards responded: “I hope you live with this the rest of your life."