Father Sentenced to 35 Years for Abusing Infant Son

Written with artificial intelligence assistance.

Janson Avery Nabors, 25, was sentenced to 35 years in state prison on Friday for the severe abuse of his 4-month-old son, which included attempting to smother the infant with a pillow and causing life-threatening brain injuries.

Nabors pleaded guilty on August 15 to two counts of child abuse. He faced potential life sentences on each charge but ultimately received a 40-year prison term for the brain injuries, with five years suspended. Additionally, he received a concurrent 10-year suspended sentence for attempting to smother the child, which will only come into effect if he violates the law in the future.

Circuit Judge Chip Mills expressed his disbelief and condemnation of Nabors’ actions during the sentencing. “I don’t know what causes a man to do such a thing to a child, a baby, a gift of God, but this is the consequence that our state has come up with,” Mills said.

The case came to light in March 2022 when the infant was rushed to the North Mississippi Medical Center in critical condition. The child was later airlifted to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. District Attorney John Weddle described the abuse as “horrific,” highlighting that much of it was captured on security cameras at the family home.

Initially indicted on 11 counts of child abuse, Nabors was accused of a series of violent acts against the child, starting when the boy was just 12 weeks old. These included breaking ribs, causing retinal hemorrhaging, and repeatedly interfering with the child’s breathing. Additional charges detailed violent acts such as choking and throwing the child with excessive force, resulting in broken bones.

Nabors eventually pleaded guilty to charges of attempting to smother the child and causing acute bilateral subdural brain hematomas. The plea agreement led to the dismissal of the other charges. As part of the sentencing, Nabors was also ordered to pay $2,896.50 in court costs and fines, and $5,500 in restitution to the child's mother.

Despite the grave nature of his injuries, the infant has physically recovered and is described as a “very happy little boy” by his mother, Megan Riley. However, she noted that the full emotional and developmental impact of the abuse remains uncertain and will become clearer as he grows older.

Nabors, who had voluntarily surrendered his parental rights before pleading guilty, expressed remorse during the sentencing but did not provide a clear explanation for his actions. His defense attorney, Anthony Farese, confirmed that Nabors had agreed to relinquish his parental rights as part of the plea deal.

The case has brought to light the crucial role of surveillance technology in uncovering the truth and ensuring accountability in cases of child abuse.

Janson Avery Nabors,Photo byTupelo Police Department