Sullivan, Shane: 2007
There are few things worse than the death of a child, especially when that death is caused by another human being. Shane Sullivan was just 15 months old when Douglas Patrick Gardini killed him. Gardini had been living with Shane’s mother, Deedre Sullivan, on Fourth Street in Altoona, and it was in that home that he was beaten to death on January 19, 2007. He was pronounced dead when emergency medical professionals arrived at the scene, and Coroner Patricia Ross said the toddler had been murdered by blunt force trauma. Gardini told police he had been in the living room feeding Shane in a high chair, left the room, and on his return, the toddler was on the floor, hurt. Investigators noted that in addition to the multiple injuries which resulted in his death, Shane had suffered other wounds, perhaps weeks prior to the beating which killed. He had been in the care of Blair County Children and Youth Services, as a result of neglect and other issues. He had been returned to his mother and Gardini about two months before he was murdered. Prior to his death, he would suffer bone fractures, internal injuries, and other bruising.
Gardini was arrested the day of the crime, at his mother’s house, by the Altoona city police. Gardini was charged with criminal homicide and endangering the welfare of a child. Arraignment was in front of District Justice Todd Kelly. Gardinia was no stranger to the Blair County Prison; he had previously pleaded guilty to theft twice, criminal attempt, burglary, and other charges. He had never stood before a jury.
Questions were raised about Gardini’s mental competency, but a psychiatric evaluation stated that he was competent to stand trial.
In court proceedings, medical officials indicated Shane Sullivan had suffered a range of injuries, including severe head trauma and abdominal injuries. Realizing that if he finally stood before a jury he would be likely to be convicted of murder in the first degree, Gardini again worked a deal. On Friday, February 16, 2008, in front of Judge Timothy Sullivan, Gardini entered a plea of guilty to third-degree murder, and was sentenced to 16 to 32 years. The endangerment charge was nolle prossed. Gardini was represented by attorney Brian Grabill, and he and assistant District Attorney Wade Kagarise worked out the plea agreement.
Douglas Gardini remains at Graterford State Correctional Institution.
Deedre Lynn Sullivan was charged with endangering the welfare of a child. In April, 2008, she pleaded no contest. In August, she was sentenced to three years probation and fined $1000.00 by Judge Hiram Carpenter. Her older, surviving son, has been placed outside her home. It is too late for Shane.
