CASS LAKE, MN – A Minnesota mother received a nearly 20-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to the murder of her toddler son, whom she fatally injured by repeatedly slamming his head into a wall, later concocting a false story to implicate the child’s father.

Robert Ortez, the father of the deceased 23-month-old Aaryan, expressed his enduring grief and confusion over the incident. “She took my baby’s life,” Ortez said. Despite the tragedy occurring in August, Ortez remains uncertain about the motives behind Larena Jackson’s actions, who has yet to divulge details of the deadly day.

Larena Jackson, 31, admitted guilt to second-degree murder during a February hearing, claiming that her actions were under the influence of drugs. In her plea, Jackson confessed she was intoxicated and disassociated from her actions beyond recalling the violent act.

Initially, Jackson called authorities, misleadingly reporting that Ortez had accidentally run over Aaryan. However, Ortez clarified that his vehicle was under repair at a mechanic’s shop at the time. He drove a different car on the day of the incident, providing a clear alibi.

Authorities responding to Jackson’s report discovered a chilling scene. Her residence bore extensive blood evidence and damage indicative of severe trauma to a young child. Investigative reports noted large holes in the wall matching the contours of a toddler’s head. Aaryan succumbed to his injuries after five harrowing days in a medical facility.

Beyond the primary charge of murder, Jackson faced accusations of first-degree assault, child maltreatment, and fleeing law enforcement. The court mandated her to serve a minimum of 17 and a half years, accounting for time already spent in custody.

Ortez, devastated by the outcome, underscored his belief that Jackson deserved a more severe punishment, reflecting on the profound loss of his son. As the justice system concludes one part of this sorrowful chapter, Ortez and his family continue to grapple with their ongoing grief.

Jackson’s incarceration brings a semblance of closure to Aaryan’s tragic story while rendering a stark reminder of the trial’s unanswered questions.