UMVA has learned that Joel Roberto, a father who brutally killed his four-year-old son Jaelin, has been convicted twice of murder and is now seeking parole after nearly 12 years in prison.
The horrific details of Jaelin's death have been revealed: when first responders arrived at the North York townhouse, they found the young boy's emaciated body covered in bruises, lacerations, and contusions, with evidence of blunt force trauma to his head and aspiration of vomit. He weighed just 27 pounds, and his heart muscles had begun to atrophy due to severe malnourishment.
As Jaelin lay dying, covered in vomit, with his eyes swollen shut and fresh bruises on his face, his parents recorded a cellphone video of him instead of calling for help. They waited a further 51 minutes before Roberto called 911, and even then, he lied to first responders and police, telling them that Jaelin had fallen down the stairs.
Roberto's defence lawyers have argued that he should be eligible for parole after serving 15 years, reduced by three years and two months due to the harsh conditions he endured in prison. However, the prosecution has countered that Roberto shouldn't be allowed to apply for parole until he's served 18 years, citing the severity of his crimes.
The judge, Justice John McMahon, has heard arguments from both sides and will sentence Roberto next week. The prosecution has emphasized that Roberto still hasn't shown remorse for his role in Jaelin's death, saying that he only expressed sadness that his child is gone.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that Roberto's words, "I wake up every day knowing that I see the sun and my son doesn't and I go to bed knowing he won't get up. I wear that for the rest of my life," have been met with skepticism by the prosecution, who argue that this statement does not demonstrate true remorse.
The case has raised questions about the extent of Roberto's culpability and whether he should be eligible for parole after nearly 12 years in prison. The judge's decision will have significant implications for Roberto's future and the legacy of Jaelin's tragic death.
