JAMESTOWN, N.Y., A 27-year-old man has pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter in connection with the death of his 16-month-old son, according to the Chautauqua County District Attorney’s Office.
Matthew Nuttall entered the guilty plea Wednesday in the death of toddler Isaac Benton. Authorities began investigating on April 15, 2024, after being notified of a suspicious death that had occurred two days earlier at a residence in Jamestown.
Investigators determined that the child died from blunt force trauma. Prosecutors said the incident happened after Nuttall became frustrated while caring for his son. He was arrested following the investigation.
District Attorney Jason Schmidt described the case as deeply troubling and acknowledged the profound impact on the child’s family. Jamestown Police Sgt. Daniel Overend also addressed the case, stating that the department remains committed to ensuring accountability through the legal process.
Nuttall had been scheduled to go to trial but chose to plead guilty before proceedings began. A judge is expected to sentence him on April 20.
Isaac Benton was born on Dec. 6, 2022, in Buffalo, according to his obituary. Family members remembered him as a joyful child who loved the movie “Toy Story,” animals, spending time outdoors, and being with relatives. Loved ones said his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him.
