West NY News

District Attorney Jason Schmidt announced Wednesday that Matthew Nuttall, age 26, of Jamestown, New York, has been charged by a Chautauqua County Grand Jury with Manslaughter in the First and Second Degrees arising from the April 13th death of 16-month-old Isaac Benton of Jamestown, New York. Mr. Nuttall is accused of intentionally throwing Isaac onto a Pack ‘n Play playpen, causing Isaac’s death while Mr. Nuttall was watching the infant. At his arraignment on a superseding indictment recently filed by DA Schmidt, the County Court held Mr. Nuttall on bail of $1 million cash or, in the alternative, a $500,000 property bond. He is due back in court in July for further pre-trial proceedings.

“This indictment comes as the result of a comprehensive investigation conducted by investigators and juvenile detectives of Jamestown Police Department and because of the observations and suspicions of a very capable coroner who suspected abuse despite the story initially provided to first responders. Their efforts and professionalism deserve special recognition,” said DA Schmidt.

“Isaac’s death was one of three child homicide cases occurring here in Chautauqua County during the month of April. What makes this string of tragedies even more difficult to come to terms with is that April was National Child Abuse Prevention Month meant to spotlight the need for increased public awareness of child abuse and neglect. In all my years of criminal work, and before then, during my years as a child welfare caseworker in New York City, I have never seen this number of child homicides in such a brief period of time. These are preventable crimes. Before April, if someone would have predicted that Chautauqua County would be afflicted with this many child tragedies in the span of a few weeks, I would have thought it unimaginable. We cannot let this trend continue. Each and every one of us must all be vigilant in looking out for and protecting the safety and well-being of our children."

He added: "To the public, if you see something which leads you to suspect child abuse or neglect, say something. Report your suspicions by contacting your local police or calling the statewide child abuse hotline at 1-800-342-3720. Anyone who legitimately suspects child abuse or neglect can make a report and may do so anonymously. There is no excuse for failing to act.”