In a deeply tragic case that has touched the hearts of many within their community, Valarie Owusu and Emmanuel Addae, both 28 years old, have been given a sentence of 25 years to life imprisonment. This sentence was handed down after they were found guilty of second-degree depraved indifference murder for the death of their five-year-old son.
This significant and sorrowful decision came on May 1, 2024, reflecting a profound moment of reckoning sought by those advocating for justice. The legal proceedings revealed heart-wrenching details of the neglect that led to the young boy’s untimely demise, and the conviction highlighted the gravity of the parents’ neglect. In delivering its verdict, the court not only addressed the severity of the crime but also painted a picture of a profound loss—a young, innocent life cut tragically short, which deeply affected everyone involved, from family members to the wider community.
The tragic case unfolded in Corona, Queens, where the couple resided. This unfortunate event has cast a shadow over the community, highlighting ongoing concerns and sparking conversations among local residents about safety and stability in the neighborhood.
Despite their pleas for leniency and expressions of love for the child, acting State Supreme Court Justice Steven Pilewski imposed the maximum sentence allowed by law. During the trial, Valarie Owusu, attempted to deflect responsibility, claiming ignorance of the severity of her son’s injuries until they were revealed in court. She recounted entering into a relationship with Addae, the father of her two other children, in search of a paternal figure for her son. Overcome with emotion, she expressed deep regret for not recognizing the gravity of the abuse sooner. Emmanuel Addae, the stepfather, also professed his affection for the young boy, King Owusu, and shared his hope for a spiritual reunion. Both Valarie Owusu and Emmanuel Addae continually emphasized their love for King and their grief over the tragedy that unfolded.
Throughout the proceedings, Justice Pilewski listened attentively to the couple’s testimonies and the emotional statements delivered by both defense and prosecution. Despite the couple’s expressions of remorse and commitment to their family, the judge found the evidence of neglect and abuse overwhelming. In his ruling, Pilewski stressed the importance of protecting the most vulnerable members of society, particularly children, from harm. He underscored that the responsibility of caregivers is not only to provide love but also safety and well-being to their charges.
This tragic case cast a spotlight on the dire consequences of failing to act against early signs of abuse and has sparked conversations about how similar cases might be prevented in the future. It also highlights the legal system’s role in addressing and punishing such grievous offenses to deter potential offenders and to uphold justice for the victims.
Read below how the couple were earlier found guilty by a jury for the murder of their son as published on the Suffolk County website.
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced today that Valerie Owusu, 28, and Emmanuel Addae, 28, both residents of Corona, Queens, have been found guilty of Murder in the Second Degree. This verdict comes after a thorough jury trial concerning the tragic 2021 beating death of five-year-old King Owusu, the son of Valerie Owusu.
The case, which drew considerable local attention due to the severe nature of the crime and the young age of the victim, concluded with the conviction of both Owusu and Addae. They now face significant prison sentences for their roles in this heart-wrenching incident. This outcome is a pivotal moment in advocating for justice for the victim and holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
“This little boy was beaten and suffered for days at the hands of these defendants, one of whom was his own mother, until he unfortunately succumbed to his severe and extensive injuries,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Thanks to the thorough investigation by the Suffolk County Police Department, the relentless pursuit of justice by the prosecutors assigned to this case, and the jury’s careful consideration of the evidence presented, the defendants have been held accountable for this horrific crime.”
The evidence at trial established that between March 30 and April 1, 2021, Owusu and Addae brutally beat King with at least four different instruments inside of their apartment in Lefrak City, Queens. The couple observed as King’s physical condition deteriorated over approximately three days, during which time King eventually lost consciousness and never recovered. Throughout this harrowing ordeal, neither Owusu nor Addae made any attempts to call for emergency services, seek medical intervention, or provide the slightest aid to alleviate King’s suffering. The lack of action and sheer negligence displayed by the defendants tragically contributed to the untimely and avoidable death of a young child, stirring profound outrage and sorrow within the community. In delivering their verdict, the jury recognized the severity and deliberate nature of the defendants’ actions, ensuring that justice was served in this deeply unsettling case.
Assistant District Attorney Elena Tomaro from the Homicide Bureau, along with Assistant District Attorney Scott Romano from the Major Crime Bureau, are prosecuting this case. Detectives Patrick Portella and James Hughes from the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad conducted the investigation.