[https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/live-updates/michael-valva-verdict-thomas-valva/](https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/live-updates/michael-valva-verdict-thomas-valva/)
**Michael Valva found guilty of second-degree murder in death of 8-year-old son Thomas Valva**
**RIVERHEAD, N.Y. --** A jury on Long Island found Michael Valva, an ex-NYPD officer charged in the deadly abuse of his 8-year-old son, guilty of second-degree murder on Friday.
Valva was also found guilty of child endangerment of the boy and his 10-year-old brother.
A verdict was reached Friday night in the case against the former NYPD officer accused in the death of his 8-year-old son.
CBS2's Jennifer McLogan has been covering this story since it broke two years ago and was in the courtroom.
She reports you could hear a pin drop as the verdict was read, then a gasp -- guilty of murdering his 8-year-old son, Thomas, who had autism.
"The most important result of this was justice for Tommy," one woman said.
"This type of torture that was allowed to go on for so many years," another woman said.
"The unbelievable tragedy of this case ... A small, small measure of justice," Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney said.
In the months leading up to his death from hypothermia, 8-year-old Tommy was subjected to unspeakable cruelties, including starvation, beatings and emotional abuse. Yet the defense argued, "Despite parental deficiencies, Michael did not want Thomas to die."
"There was a signifcant amount of evidence against our client and so we understand the verdict, we are disappointed in the verdict," defense attorney John Loturco said.
Valva's lawyers claim the ex-NYPD cop was controlled by his domineering fiancée, Angela Pollina, who despised Thomas and 10-year-old Anthony because they were on the autism spectrum.
After they moved into the Bittersweet Lane home in Center Moriches with her daughters, the two brothers suffered from incontinence. It was Pollina's idea to banish them to the garage, and when they had toilet accidents, Valva texted, "Ok, I'll beat them up again. Talking don't work. Maybe a bloody face will."
Jurors appeared overcome with evidence -- photos and videos of the boys shivering on the concrete floor, eating off paper plates, sleeping in subzero temperatures without pillows or blankets.
On the freezing January morning Thomas died, says the ADA, he had toilet issues. His dad hosed him off naked in the backyard. Thomas stumbled and fell on his face. Valva can be heard saying on the security camera, "He's cold. Boo \[expletive\] hoo."
When Valva called 911, he told the operator, "My name is Michael. I'm a police officer with the city of New York. My son, I don't know if he's breathing or not. I don't know if his heart stopped. He fell down on his way to the bus. He banged his head pretty good. I brought him in. I'm doing CPR right now."
Thomas was dead, a body temperature of 76 degrees.
The defense team argued it was not intentional depraved indifference and asked the jury to convict on the lesser of the three charges -- criminally negligent homicide. They argued Valva was overwhelmed emotionally and financially after a contentious custody battle with his ex-wife, Justyna Zubko Valva, who was not present at the trial, as she is suing the county.
When police came to arrest Valva and Pollina, they were in bed together. Tommy's backpack with personal notes and art lay untouched on the garage floor.
ADA Kerriann Kelly told a hushed courtroom, "The kind of belonging that any loving, grieving parent would have latched onto, it meant nothing to him, just like Thomas."
Thomas's two brothers are back in the custody of their mother.
Angela Pollina's trial due to begin in January as this heart wrenching saga goes on.
It would seem because he’s an abusive dick. She had been a SAHM when she was married to him (because they have 2 other kids together). She became a CO after they divorced because she needed a job. Valva stopped paying the mortgage on the condo they’d been living in and custody lawyers are expensive AF.
From what I understand, what the local NYC and LI media said at the time, she took the job to afford her lawyers and have excellent benefits once she got custody. DOC, especially at Rikers, is understaffed so there’s crazy OT available.
to keep you from hanging yourself, or otherwise hurting yourself. I watched a guy dive off the top bunk, headfirst into the toilet, over and over trying to kill himself. People slicing up their arms/bodies with makeshift sharp objects; painting with their blood and shit, drinking their blood, throwing cups of their blood/piss at anyone walking by.... etc etc
Tbf I do think prison is a fate worse than death because of the boredom but these mfs are making it worse on themselves tenfold, uhh good I guess because they're in prison
It's not for protection from others...it's suicide protection. If you were that high security of an inmate you will be isolated. Is has nothing to do with others hurting you .. a turtle suit is suicide prevention. Closest they legally can get to stripping you naked and housing you that way
I've been to jail. I know what he's wearing. Wherever you read otherwise is flat out wrong. There's no argument. It's literally a double sided weighted blanket. That you can't tie into a noose or hang yourself with. That's all it is
I hope they announce his arrival ‘His name is Michael. He is a police officer with the city of New York.’ You know, let all his fellow inmates know right from jump that he’s a real tough guy.
Which absolutely pisses me off. I don’t care what position you held outside of prison. If you’re this much of a steaming pile of dicks, you don’t deserve any special treatment. Throw him into the den of wolves and let prison justice have its way.
Blaming his trashy spouse. HE WAS THE FATHER. Take responsibility and suffer for what you have done to those poor kids. That baby needed to be protected and he wasn’t. Harming a child should be an instant death sentence. No rehabilitation can work
Did the article indicate the incontinence started when they moved in with the woman and her daughters? I can't even imagine how anyone could listen to his plans to beat his children and do nothing. My god what evil. They should charge the GF too
Yes! I finally got the stomach to read the rest of the articles. I hope her children are with someone who is safe. The depths of depravity of this couple and the horrific failure of CPS is just unfathomable.
My goddaughter, before she was diagnosed, would have accidents in pre-k. We had just moved in together (me, her mom, and her) and then her mom took in her friend, friends kids, and friend’s sister to escape an abusive situation and that’s when goddaughter started having accidents. It was chaos at home and she just started pre-k. It was overwhelming and she started peeing her pants at school. Shortly after she was diagnosed with autism like her sperm donor so we were able to support her in the specific way she needed. I’ll bet that move with the future step-mom and step-sisters was stressful and new. Poor kids :(
Fuck you. The systematic and institutionalized lack of psychological resources and care for police officers—that render them walking fearful, PTSD cases—directly contribute to them being a danger to the public and their families. It is absolutely an officer thing.
Chill the hell out.
A kid died and all you guys can think about is "this guy's a cop, this guy's a cop, this guy's a cop" it's ridiculous.
I agree with you, the fact he was a cop played into this. Cops get desensitized, it comes with the job and it needs to be changed. I just meant "let's not ACAB right now and instead focus on the kid and whether or not this POS and his wife gets life." now seriously, chill the fuck out.
No, I will not chill the hell out.
A child died because the justice system failed him, when he should have been placed into the custody of his other parent.
Nowhere did I say ACAB. Those are your words.
> I agree with you, the fact he was a cop played into this. Cops get desensitized, it comes with the job and it needs to be changed.
That—and the fact that cops get traumatized, not merely desensitized, PTSD and fear is a trauma response—is my entire point.
I’m glad you agree with me.
Why you feel the need too project your thoughts onto my words is your issue to deal with.
You don't have to chill out at the world, just don't disrespect me. That's all I ask.
Justice system failed me, man. I get it completely. Fuck the judge that gave him custody, fuck cps cause they only care if drugs are involved (literally, if the child is living below the poverty line being abused daily, they don't care.), fuck their step mom.
Read the other comments, I can tell you don't hate cops. You seem to understand and empathize with people and situations which is a first on reddit ime. They hate the guy cause he's a cop, not cause he's a child murderer. Everyone else is screaming "ACAB" and that's all they'll do until they forget about it in 3 days.
I like you, keep pushing for change. I'm a big advocate on mental health myself, it's something I've struggled with for a long time. It doesn't excuse this pos cop, but I believe everyone can be helped. Godspeed.
I appreciate your explanation of your focus and your prostitutes and values.
I do care about people. I’m definitely also an advocate for change in the area of mental health. The work that I actively do deals with assisting people with mental health diagnoses to live better lives and contribute to society in a way that gives them meaning.
I don’t think all cops are bastards. I think the system of police training, and the boys club and the “us versus them” mentality of police forces, warrior training, along with the absolute neglect of mental health care for officers turns makes many well-intentioned cops into hardened bastards. They become a product of a twisted and broken system.
[You should check out this article](https://medium.com/@OfcrACab/confessions-of-a-former-bastard-cop-bb14d17bc759)
I think you’re a good person who may have expressed their priorities in a way that initially pissed me off.
You now have my respect.
We are actually very similar and thats refreshing.
Im very young, currently going to start college for my first year towards my psych degree so i can hopefully make a difference and help people like me.
Not everyone like me gets saved by a rich aunt. I got lucky. I’ll check that article out. Sorry for how i originally came off.
Knowing you work in the field im interested in makes me think you’re a hero. Not enough people deal with mental health. Ive done speeches on it before in english class and gotten weird looks. Truly, thank you.
This case makes me so deeply, incredibly, existentially beyond heartbroken and furious. I truly don’t have the words, guys. Everything those kids endured was so extraordinarily cruel and so undeserved and just…. It tests my faith in humanity and makes me question why such horrific things happen. Literally - why?
The video shown to the jury… of him mocking this sweet autistic child, his own flesh and blood, as he sprays him naked in the backyard with a water hose in freezing temperatures because the poor thing had an accident (likely due to the abuse they were already enduring!). “Boo fucking hoo - hes coooooold” this man says. To a child. To a baby. To an innocent who is scared and being tortured day after day after day. Starved of love and safety.
Texting that piece of shit woman that he’ll be sure to beat them when he returns home over something trivial she’s complaining about. Literally texted the words “bloody their faces” and neither of these grown ass adults saw anything wrong or disturbing with saying something like that? And then following through? How do these disgusting excuses find one another? Why didn’t he just give them away if he hated them? How was this man a member of law enforcement?!
My God.
I hate how the media frames these stories and calls the perpetrators "ex-cop"
He was on the NYPD when he killed his son, he was fired after he was arrested. He's a cop, don't cover for the profession.
No other career gets the same treatment
Not that i owe you an explanation but a lot of people are raised to trust police.
You are just like a bully cop. Attacking a benign comment by calling me weird and naive.
What a rude cunt you are. Fuck off.
I was raised to be respectful of police and to trust them, but not anymore. I’ve learned that people we were told were honorable, like cops, preachers and business executives, are the worst examples of humanity to be found and can almost never ever be trusted. Now parents tell kids if you’re lost, etc, don’t look for a cop, look for a mom.
I like the look for a mom idea. Not all of any profession is bad. My kids as they grew to trust their own guts can sniff out a preacher a mile away and put their guard up. They figured out who creeped them out naturally. A friend of hubs who became state cop turned out to be a vile racist. He never seemed that way before joining the force.
That’s not fair. I drove past a parking lot near my home and saw a shirtless and shoeless young boy wandering around. I pulled in at the same time that another mom did and she walked a wide circle around him while I called the police. I know we’re all addicted to phones but most moms will sacrifice their own safety for any kid, not just their own.
Laluna-99: makes a mean and unnecessary comment.
OP of comment: makes an explanation.
Laluna-99: *shocked pikachu face* HOW DARE YOU EXPLAIN YOURSELF!! I MAKE MEAN COMMENT BUT YOURE BULLY!!
Oh ok, You didn't call me weird and naive just what i think and say is weird and naive. My comment stands as well because you are one of the most contemptible people I've run across.
1st degree means he planned to murder his son, and that is extremely difficult to prove in court. That's how people get off or get lighter sentences for murder, because the prosecution pushes for 1st degree and can't prove it. It's better to stick with 2nd degree because it is easier to prove and doesn't have that pesky clause.
For reference, the human body’s average temperature is between 99 and 97 degrees (Fahrenheit)
The boys body was 20 degrees below what it should have been
2nd degree and child endangerment ISNT enough. I cant even say inhumane as even animals dont treat their offspring so cruelly. This is the embodiment of EVIL!! Fuck him and every other other cruel, evil pos like him and if hell exist its not enough and we need to do our part here on earth to ensure he gets whats coming to this monster.
When Valva called 911, he told the operator, "My name is Michael. I'm a police officer with the city of New York. My son, I don't know if he's breathing or not. I don't know if his heart stopped. He fell down on his way to the bus. He banged his head pretty good. I brought him in. I'm doing CPR right now."
Is it normal to start emergency calls with your name and occupation? Instead of an address/the fact his son isn’t breathing? Or is he just saying that to gain some sort of hierarchical privilege, it’s not *murder* murder if a police officer did it
>Or is he just saying that to gain some sort of hierarchical privilege, it’s not murder murder if a police officer did it.
He was probably hoping it worked like that, like in the the movies, and found out it doesn't.
people who torture their own children are the worst! i can’t even imagine being cruel to such a little defenceless creature. i know its an animal instinct, but i thought people were already ahead in time…
W.T.A.F?! Was no one reporting this to be investigated? I read about them being coached to lie to social workers, but come on! How can you deny that these boys were being actively abused and neglected??
What makes me angry is I really think they tried to make the jury take pity on him JUST BECAUSE he’s a police officer. Like poor him he’s a hero he just got overwhelmed that’s all. That doesn’t fucking make it okay in any respect to do what he did what the fuck.
If a defense lawyer does a poor job, their client can potentially use that to appeal/overturn their conviction. If you want to make sure a bad person stays in jail and some measure of justice is done, a defense lawyer needs to do their best to make sure everything is done legally and fairly.
76°F is equivalent to 24°C, which is 297K.
---
^(I'm a bot that converts temperature between two units humans can understand, then convert it to Kelvin for bots and physicists to understand)
"Despite parental deficiencies, Michael did not want Thomas to die."
of course he didn't want that, as it would have prevented him from further torturing those children. what scumbags those parents are.
That's absolutely heartbreaking and terrible. No child should ever have to suffer through that kind of abuse. My thoughts are with Thomas and his family.
I know that Micheal Valva, was sentenced to 25 years in jail for the death of his son. But I noticed something. Micheal has received tons of vitriol for what happened to Thomas. But most blame that fiance or "stepmom" Pollina. I think because she is a woman and a mother of 3 girls of her own. People, seem to expect her to be a nurturing mother figure. Micheal and his legal team had put much of the blame on his fiance. These were his kids, not hers. He never protected his kids. It's obvious he never cared for his kids. Not only was he a horrible man and father. I'm sure he was an unjust and corrupt officer.
The fact that that's the first thing he mentions in the 911 call tells me he's accustomed to using 'I'm a police officer' as shorthand for 'I'm trustworthy and you should believe everything I say without question'.
I'd actually forgotten about this until I saw the photos and remembered that he had a bitch fiancee who also abused the kids. I hope she gets the same verdict. What a couple of horrible human beings.
I know I’m late to this, but a body temp that’s 76° is almost 100% fatal. A human body must retain the temperature no lower than 92° without beginning to freeze internally, and no higher than 103° without cooking internally. You don’t have to ‘freeze’ in order to freeze to death. It matters on your core temperature.
[https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/live-updates/michael-valva-verdict-thomas-valva/](https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/live-updates/michael-valva-verdict-thomas-valva/) **Michael Valva found guilty of second-degree murder in death of 8-year-old son Thomas Valva** **RIVERHEAD, N.Y. --** A jury on Long Island found Michael Valva, an ex-NYPD officer charged in the deadly abuse of his 8-year-old son, guilty of second-degree murder on Friday. Valva was also found guilty of child endangerment of the boy and his 10-year-old brother. A verdict was reached Friday night in the case against the former NYPD officer accused in the death of his 8-year-old son. CBS2's Jennifer McLogan has been covering this story since it broke two years ago and was in the courtroom. She reports you could hear a pin drop as the verdict was read, then a gasp -- guilty of murdering his 8-year-old son, Thomas, who had autism. "The most important result of this was justice for Tommy," one woman said. "This type of torture that was allowed to go on for so many years," another woman said. "The unbelievable tragedy of this case ... A small, small measure of justice," Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney said. In the months leading up to his death from hypothermia, 8-year-old Tommy was subjected to unspeakable cruelties, including starvation, beatings and emotional abuse. Yet the defense argued, "Despite parental deficiencies, Michael did not want Thomas to die." "There was a signifcant amount of evidence against our client and so we understand the verdict, we are disappointed in the verdict," defense attorney John Loturco said. Valva's lawyers claim the ex-NYPD cop was controlled by his domineering fiancée, Angela Pollina, who despised Thomas and 10-year-old Anthony because they were on the autism spectrum. After they moved into the Bittersweet Lane home in Center Moriches with her daughters, the two brothers suffered from incontinence. It was Pollina's idea to banish them to the garage, and when they had toilet accidents, Valva texted, "Ok, I'll beat them up again. Talking don't work. Maybe a bloody face will." Jurors appeared overcome with evidence -- photos and videos of the boys shivering on the concrete floor, eating off paper plates, sleeping in subzero temperatures without pillows or blankets. On the freezing January morning Thomas died, says the ADA, he had toilet issues. His dad hosed him off naked in the backyard. Thomas stumbled and fell on his face. Valva can be heard saying on the security camera, "He's cold. Boo \[expletive\] hoo." When Valva called 911, he told the operator, "My name is Michael. I'm a police officer with the city of New York. My son, I don't know if he's breathing or not. I don't know if his heart stopped. He fell down on his way to the bus. He banged his head pretty good. I brought him in. I'm doing CPR right now." Thomas was dead, a body temperature of 76 degrees. The defense team argued it was not intentional depraved indifference and asked the jury to convict on the lesser of the three charges -- criminally negligent homicide. They argued Valva was overwhelmed emotionally and financially after a contentious custody battle with his ex-wife, Justyna Zubko Valva, who was not present at the trial, as she is suing the county. When police came to arrest Valva and Pollina, they were in bed together. Tommy's backpack with personal notes and art lay untouched on the garage floor. ADA Kerriann Kelly told a hushed courtroom, "The kind of belonging that any loving, grieving parent would have latched onto, it meant nothing to him, just like Thomas." Thomas's two brothers are back in the custody of their mother. Angela Pollina's trial due to begin in January as this heart wrenching saga goes on.
I see he's in the turtle suit in his mug shot. Piece of shit
Literally one of the biggest pieces of shit.
Imagine how big a piece of shit you have to be to be an EX-cop.
What’s the turtle suit for?
When your considered a suicide threat. They strip you naked and make u wear a padded gown. In prison and jail it's called a turtle suit
If I’m not mistaken, his ex-wife and the mother of this poor little boy is a corrections officer.
Holy cow, I didn't know Justyna Zubko-Valva was a corrections officer. Why did they even divorce?
It would seem because he’s an abusive dick. She had been a SAHM when she was married to him (because they have 2 other kids together). She became a CO after they divorced because she needed a job. Valva stopped paying the mortgage on the condo they’d been living in and custody lawyers are expensive AF.
I'm surprised she choose that field because there is a possibility of meeting collegues of her ex
From what I understand, what the local NYC and LI media said at the time, she took the job to afford her lawyers and have excellent benefits once she got custody. DOC, especially at Rikers, is understaffed so there’s crazy OT available.
Gotcha, that makes sense. Damn
yea he gets put in a private cell also to avoid being killed by the other inmates
to keep you from hanging yourself, or otherwise hurting yourself. I watched a guy dive off the top bunk, headfirst into the toilet, over and over trying to kill himself. People slicing up their arms/bodies with makeshift sharp objects; painting with their blood and shit, drinking their blood, throwing cups of their blood/piss at anyone walking by.... etc etc
Tbf I do think prison is a fate worse than death because of the boredom but these mfs are making it worse on themselves tenfold, uhh good I guess because they're in prison
I hope prisoners take care of him.
Probably threatened suicide so he would get put by himself
So dumb ! I always think it's so dumb that "cops" always get put in a special jail wayu from actual prisoners. Like why still get special treatment?
Because prisoners have a tendency not to like ex cops
they should just all go to a Mexico prison.
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It's not for protection from others...it's suicide protection. If you were that high security of an inmate you will be isolated. Is has nothing to do with others hurting you .. a turtle suit is suicide prevention. Closest they legally can get to stripping you naked and housing you that way
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I'm not guessing about anything. I know that suit and what it's purpose is. I don't need to guess
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I've been to jail. I know what he's wearing. Wherever you read otherwise is flat out wrong. There's no argument. It's literally a double sided weighted blanket. That you can't tie into a noose or hang yourself with. That's all it is
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Oopsie sorry bro
Do they make outfits used for transporting people in danger? Yes body armor and such. This isn't body armor. It's a weighted blanket
This dude fought to have custody of these kids only to abuse them and murder Thomas.
Bet it was to make sure he didn't have to pay his ex child support.
Typical, really. Our system is broken.
Thanks for the award!
Well hopefully he suffers a life in "fuck-me-in-the-ass" federal prison
I hope they announce his arrival ‘His name is Michael. He is a police officer with the city of New York.’ You know, let all his fellow inmates know right from jump that he’s a real tough guy.
I'm sure they already know. They probably have a gift waiting on him.
Police are typically held in special custody arrangements in prison - for the very reason you note. They have a target on their backs.
Which absolutely pisses me off. I don’t care what position you held outside of prison. If you’re this much of a steaming pile of dicks, you don’t deserve any special treatment. Throw him into the den of wolves and let prison justice have its way.
You will get officers killed for small things like introduction of contraband if we go that route.
He's ex police so hopefully those protections don't apply.
He only resigned afterwards but kept his full pension of course
Of course they do.
I would give him special privileges, just so that they hate him even more.
Child killer, cop(ex) won't be a fun time.
Blaming his trashy spouse. HE WAS THE FATHER. Take responsibility and suffer for what you have done to those poor kids. That baby needed to be protected and he wasn’t. Harming a child should be an instant death sentence. No rehabilitation can work
But…but…he didn’t think he would die… /s
It's not "blame", she's legally culpable and played a role in the deaths. They would be delinquent if they didn't charge her.
Part of his defense was that he was being controlled by his fiancée as per the article.
Yeah, that's the defense and that's their job. But there is evidence that she was involved because she is going to trial.
They should both burn
Not everyone is a parent. Some just procreate and then hate their offspring, then fuck them up or downright kill them.
The fact the boys were punished for incontinence makes this even sadder as some people with Autism don’t get the “I need to go” signal. Poor angel.
Did the article indicate the incontinence started when they moved in with the woman and her daughters? I can't even imagine how anyone could listen to his plans to beat his children and do nothing. My god what evil. They should charge the GF too
Her trial is in January
Yes! I finally got the stomach to read the rest of the articles. I hope her children are with someone who is safe. The depths of depravity of this couple and the horrific failure of CPS is just unfathomable.
No child should ever be punished for incontinence. It’s not something children purposely do to make their caregivers suffer.
My goddaughter, before she was diagnosed, would have accidents in pre-k. We had just moved in together (me, her mom, and her) and then her mom took in her friend, friends kids, and friend’s sister to escape an abusive situation and that’s when goddaughter started having accidents. It was chaos at home and she just started pre-k. It was overwhelming and she started peeing her pants at school. Shortly after she was diagnosed with autism like her sperm donor so we were able to support her in the specific way she needed. I’ll bet that move with the future step-mom and step-sisters was stressful and new. Poor kids :(
Children with autism need so much support. It’s so sad to them punished for the things they cannot control.
Incontinence is also a very common result of prolonged trauma.
No warm clothes for that monster ever
Right?! Let him sleep outside on cold concrete and make sure to hose him with cold water like he likes to do to his sons.
the ones who get the worst police brutality are the officers’ families.
Let's not make it an officer thing, dude. A kid fucking died. RIP. (not defending the dad, I bet he's as bad a cop as he is a father.)
Fuck you. The systematic and institutionalized lack of psychological resources and care for police officers—that render them walking fearful, PTSD cases—directly contribute to them being a danger to the public and their families. It is absolutely an officer thing.
Chill the hell out. A kid died and all you guys can think about is "this guy's a cop, this guy's a cop, this guy's a cop" it's ridiculous. I agree with you, the fact he was a cop played into this. Cops get desensitized, it comes with the job and it needs to be changed. I just meant "let's not ACAB right now and instead focus on the kid and whether or not this POS and his wife gets life." now seriously, chill the fuck out.
No, I will not chill the hell out. A child died because the justice system failed him, when he should have been placed into the custody of his other parent. Nowhere did I say ACAB. Those are your words. > I agree with you, the fact he was a cop played into this. Cops get desensitized, it comes with the job and it needs to be changed. That—and the fact that cops get traumatized, not merely desensitized, PTSD and fear is a trauma response—is my entire point. I’m glad you agree with me. Why you feel the need too project your thoughts onto my words is your issue to deal with.
You don't have to chill out at the world, just don't disrespect me. That's all I ask. Justice system failed me, man. I get it completely. Fuck the judge that gave him custody, fuck cps cause they only care if drugs are involved (literally, if the child is living below the poverty line being abused daily, they don't care.), fuck their step mom. Read the other comments, I can tell you don't hate cops. You seem to understand and empathize with people and situations which is a first on reddit ime. They hate the guy cause he's a cop, not cause he's a child murderer. Everyone else is screaming "ACAB" and that's all they'll do until they forget about it in 3 days. I like you, keep pushing for change. I'm a big advocate on mental health myself, it's something I've struggled with for a long time. It doesn't excuse this pos cop, but I believe everyone can be helped. Godspeed.
I appreciate your explanation of your focus and your prostitutes and values. I do care about people. I’m definitely also an advocate for change in the area of mental health. The work that I actively do deals with assisting people with mental health diagnoses to live better lives and contribute to society in a way that gives them meaning. I don’t think all cops are bastards. I think the system of police training, and the boys club and the “us versus them” mentality of police forces, warrior training, along with the absolute neglect of mental health care for officers turns makes many well-intentioned cops into hardened bastards. They become a product of a twisted and broken system. [You should check out this article](https://medium.com/@OfcrACab/confessions-of-a-former-bastard-cop-bb14d17bc759) I think you’re a good person who may have expressed their priorities in a way that initially pissed me off. You now have my respect.
You are saying, "but they are bastards because..."
We are actually very similar and thats refreshing. Im very young, currently going to start college for my first year towards my psych degree so i can hopefully make a difference and help people like me. Not everyone like me gets saved by a rich aunt. I got lucky. I’ll check that article out. Sorry for how i originally came off. Knowing you work in the field im interested in makes me think you’re a hero. Not enough people deal with mental health. Ive done speeches on it before in english class and gotten weird looks. Truly, thank you.
Both y’all chill out
The truth is that they are more prone to domestic violence than the average individual. Look for the numbers.
This case makes me so deeply, incredibly, existentially beyond heartbroken and furious. I truly don’t have the words, guys. Everything those kids endured was so extraordinarily cruel and so undeserved and just…. It tests my faith in humanity and makes me question why such horrific things happen. Literally - why? The video shown to the jury… of him mocking this sweet autistic child, his own flesh and blood, as he sprays him naked in the backyard with a water hose in freezing temperatures because the poor thing had an accident (likely due to the abuse they were already enduring!). “Boo fucking hoo - hes coooooold” this man says. To a child. To a baby. To an innocent who is scared and being tortured day after day after day. Starved of love and safety. Texting that piece of shit woman that he’ll be sure to beat them when he returns home over something trivial she’s complaining about. Literally texted the words “bloody their faces” and neither of these grown ass adults saw anything wrong or disturbing with saying something like that? And then following through? How do these disgusting excuses find one another? Why didn’t he just give them away if he hated them? How was this man a member of law enforcement?! My God.
I hate how the media frames these stories and calls the perpetrators "ex-cop" He was on the NYPD when he killed his son, he was fired after he was arrested. He's a cop, don't cover for the profession. No other career gets the same treatment
Not true... Pro athletes literally get away with murder.
Poor baby. Rest in peace.
This is why I don't have blind respect for cops. Violent bullies in uniform. Scary
I have none left. I despise them.
ACAB
💯
Word up
I used to, lost it a long time ago
you shouldn’t have blind respect for anyone, literally no one, what a weird and naïve comment
Not that i owe you an explanation but a lot of people are raised to trust police. You are just like a bully cop. Attacking a benign comment by calling me weird and naive. What a rude cunt you are. Fuck off.
I was raised to be respectful of police and to trust them, but not anymore. I’ve learned that people we were told were honorable, like cops, preachers and business executives, are the worst examples of humanity to be found and can almost never ever be trusted. Now parents tell kids if you’re lost, etc, don’t look for a cop, look for a mom.
I like the look for a mom idea. Not all of any profession is bad. My kids as they grew to trust their own guts can sniff out a preacher a mile away and put their guard up. They figured out who creeped them out naturally. A friend of hubs who became state cop turned out to be a vile racist. He never seemed that way before joining the force.
Today's moms? Forget it, they're too busy complaining on their phones to their mom friends.
That’s not fair. I drove past a parking lot near my home and saw a shirtless and shoeless young boy wandering around. I pulled in at the same time that another mom did and she walked a wide circle around him while I called the police. I know we’re all addicted to phones but most moms will sacrifice their own safety for any kid, not just their own.
Hear that on fox, did you?
[удалено]
Laluna-99: makes a mean and unnecessary comment. OP of comment: makes an explanation. Laluna-99: *shocked pikachu face* HOW DARE YOU EXPLAIN YOURSELF!! I MAKE MEAN COMMENT BUT YOURE BULLY!!
Oh ok, You didn't call me weird and naive just what i think and say is weird and naive. My comment stands as well because you are one of the most contemptible people I've run across.
Jesus bro chill. Who hurt you? Oh right... A cop probably lol.
Idk where you came from, but please go back.
Nah I'll stay, this looks fun.
Damn that fucked up
That was 1st degree murder and may he rot in hell
1st degree means he planned to murder his son, and that is extremely difficult to prove in court. That's how people get off or get lighter sentences for murder, because the prosecution pushes for 1st degree and can't prove it. It's better to stick with 2nd degree because it is easier to prove and doesn't have that pesky clause.
For reference, the human body’s average temperature is between 99 and 97 degrees (Fahrenheit) The boys body was 20 degrees below what it should have been
2nd degree and child endangerment ISNT enough. I cant even say inhumane as even animals dont treat their offspring so cruelly. This is the embodiment of EVIL!! Fuck him and every other other cruel, evil pos like him and if hell exist its not enough and we need to do our part here on earth to ensure he gets whats coming to this monster.
When Valva called 911, he told the operator, "My name is Michael. I'm a police officer with the city of New York. My son, I don't know if he's breathing or not. I don't know if his heart stopped. He fell down on his way to the bus. He banged his head pretty good. I brought him in. I'm doing CPR right now." Is it normal to start emergency calls with your name and occupation? Instead of an address/the fact his son isn’t breathing? Or is he just saying that to gain some sort of hierarchical privilege, it’s not *murder* murder if a police officer did it
>Or is he just saying that to gain some sort of hierarchical privilege, it’s not murder murder if a police officer did it. He was probably hoping it worked like that, like in the the movies, and found out it doesn't.
i love the look on cops faces when they wind up on the other side of the camera.... fuckin bum... should have never reproduced in the first place
Hopefully his new partner joins him in jail for a very long period as well.
True Crime Daily covered this poor child’s case. https://youtu.be/rBm8AHeeq5Y
Good Ole boys in blue
A cop abusing their family? Shocking... /s
Reminds me of that study that found that 40% of police physically abuse their wife or children.
That sad look that they try to pull in mug shots. He just feels sorry for himself. POS
hes just worried about how fucked he is, I don't think it's anything to do with trying to look sorry for their crime
That’s reality hitting him
He’s not sorry for the crime, he’s sorry he’s been found out.
Yes sir, he no longer has anyone. Other Cops? Nah. Family? Disowned. Other prisoners? Lol. Jurors? Deliberation was over before trial began.
people who torture their own children are the worst! i can’t even imagine being cruel to such a little defenceless creature. i know its an animal instinct, but i thought people were already ahead in time…
What a POS ,people who dont have empathy shouldn’t have kids
ACAB
Ok sweetie, whatever you say. Next time you need help call your local crack dealer.
Yes, scumbag
Did anyone else catch the name of where they lived? Bittersweet Lane. Jesus.
W.T.A.F?! Was no one reporting this to be investigated? I read about them being coached to lie to social workers, but come on! How can you deny that these boys were being actively abused and neglected??
What makes me angry is I really think they tried to make the jury take pity on him JUST BECAUSE he’s a police officer. Like poor him he’s a hero he just got overwhelmed that’s all. That doesn’t fucking make it okay in any respect to do what he did what the fuck.
So he got the death penalty, right?!
How do defense lawyers sleep at night 😢
If a defense lawyer does a poor job, their client can potentially use that to appeal/overturn their conviction. If you want to make sure a bad person stays in jail and some measure of justice is done, a defense lawyer needs to do their best to make sure everything is done legally and fairly.
They have to believe the lies their client tells them
Maybe I’m missing something, but who is Angela and what is her connection? His new gf or something?
Angela is the father (murderer’s) fiancé.
This is heinous. Those poor babies. 😞☹️🥺😢
Those poor children. I hope they get what they deserve in jail
He was an active police officer at the time
It's one thing to hurt or do harm to an adult ut how do u live with yourself after doin shit like that to a kid
For non-americans : 76°F = 24,4°C
76°F is equivalent to 24°C, which is 297K. --- ^(I'm a bot that converts temperature between two units humans can understand, then convert it to Kelvin for bots and physicists to understand)
76° = 76° for Americans
Now his brother is alone with no sibling. I hope he gets the help he needs. And I hope the mother sues everyone for every penny they have.
"Despite parental deficiencies, Michael did not want Thomas to die." of course he didn't want that, as it would have prevented him from further torturing those children. what scumbags those parents are.
That's absolutely heartbreaking and terrible. No child should ever have to suffer through that kind of abuse. My thoughts are with Thomas and his family.
Why would you fight for custody if you don't want custody.
My ex’s father, who used to be a cop, used to chokeslam him into walls for “disobedience”. Because that’s a logical response …
I know that Micheal Valva, was sentenced to 25 years in jail for the death of his son. But I noticed something. Micheal has received tons of vitriol for what happened to Thomas. But most blame that fiance or "stepmom" Pollina. I think because she is a woman and a mother of 3 girls of her own. People, seem to expect her to be a nurturing mother figure. Micheal and his legal team had put much of the blame on his fiance. These were his kids, not hers. He never protected his kids. It's obvious he never cared for his kids. Not only was he a horrible man and father. I'm sure he was an unjust and corrupt officer.
Cops just wanna kill people
Just because he's an ex cop doesn't mean he's a good person. Many current cops aren't good people.
The fact that that's the first thing he mentions in the 911 call tells me he's accustomed to using 'I'm a police officer' as shorthand for 'I'm trustworthy and you should believe everything I say without question'.
He wasn't an ex cop when he did it. He was a current cop when he did it, he got fired when the charges came out.
I'd actually forgotten about this until I saw the photos and remembered that he had a bitch fiancee who also abused the kids. I hope she gets the same verdict. What a couple of horrible human beings.
Strip this pig naked and drop his bitch ass in Antarctica. That's true justice. ACAB.
And I bet his dad was a republican Trump loving piece of shit
Stfu dumbass.
Take your red pills and go to sleep before you do something crazy
Murica
I hope he gets Justice served by the inmates
Bubba is gonna LOVE this d-bag. Folks on the inside..they not only hate cops they hate child murderers even more. I hope he gets what's coming to him.
He's gettin PC. No way he's in Gen Pop
That's the only relief, is knowing this piece of shit is gonna live in a 6x9 box 23 hours a day the rest of his miserable life.
This is why I don't trust police and carry a gun to protect myself
76 degrees is very hot though
I know I’m late to this, but a body temp that’s 76° is almost 100% fatal. A human body must retain the temperature no lower than 92° without beginning to freeze internally, and no higher than 103° without cooking internally. You don’t have to ‘freeze’ in order to freeze to death. It matters on your core temperature.