THOMAS VALVA: New York vs. Michael Valva & Angela Pollina for murder of 8-year-old son *GUILTY*

This is one of those child cases that are hard to read about. However, for some reason it is not getting much MSM coverage and little from Youtubers as well, I am unsure why since it certainly has, sadly, the elements to make it major news. It is not a new case but again, it is not getting a whole lot of coverage.

This article today is not the start of the case by any means. It does give a bit of a recap though. Read to the ending, the end says plenty about the two charged just with those remarks...

NYPD Officer Charged with Murder of Son with Autism, 8, Resigns From Police Force

Eight-year-old Thomas Valva died from severe hypothermia after allegedly being forced to spend a January night in his father's frigid garage

people.com

 

[GrandmaBear]

I recall hearing this some time back. I had forgotten about it. I also forgot but now that I think about it yeah, they had a couple kids together I think or she had kids and those kids got to be in the house and were treated well but the two boys from his first marriage were put in the garage, abused, etc. I mean these two are nothing but evil.

As for his crying, I have no doubt it was because he was caught in his lies and someone finally gave a sh*t and he finally was going to pay consequences.

I saw today this case had went to the jury on daddy dearest but didn't have time to look at further and then it slipped my mind. Been one heckuva day. Now I see he was found guilty!! Not sure if I will be able to grab a link but wanted to post it. I am packing for yet another back and forth couple of days and trying to coordinate with some people. Pain in arse.

GUILTY!!! On ALL CHARGES. In a different time I would have followed the trial but wasn't able to.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Former New York City police officer convicted of murder in freezing death of 8-year-old son

The former New York City police officer is facing a prison sentence of 25 years to life.

www.fox23.com

A former New York City police officer was convicted on Friday of second-degree murder in his 8-year-old son’s freezing-related death.

According to The Associated Press, Michael Valva was found guilty of four counts of child endangerment and is facing a maximum possible sentence of 25 years to life.


Michael Valva’s ex-fiancee, Angela Pollina, is also facing charges of child endangerment and second-degree murder, according to WPIX. She is awaiting trial and had pleaded not guilty.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Juror: Jury was initially split on second-degree murder charge in Michael Valva murder trial

Thaddeus Brewer, juror No. 11 in the case, told News 12 that the jury were not in agreement on the "depraved indifference" aspect of the top charges in the first vote they took.

longisland.news12.com

Juror: Jury was initially split on second-degree murder charge in Michael Valva murder trial​

The jury who found Michael Valva guilty of all charges Friday was initially split on the top count of second-degree murder.

Thaddeus Brewer, juror No. 11 in the case, told News 12 that the jury were not in agreement on the "depraved indifference" aspect of the top charges in the first vote they took.

That is why Brewer says the jury asked for the charges to be read back to them and to hear the full audio captured on the morning of the 8-year-old's death where Michael Valva can be heard yelling at his son in an expletive-filled rant while the boy was outside in below freezing temperatures, naked and collapsing.

"Just the fact that he didn't care whether his son lived or died - hearing the video again and seeing that - we knew immediately it was going to be second-degree murder," Brewer says.

If the jury of eight women and four men had not found Michael Valva guilty of second-degree murder, they could have also considered second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide.


Michael Valva will be sentenced on Dec. 8. He faces 25 years to life in prison.

His ex-fiancée is also facing second-degree murder and child endangerment charges.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Jury selection set for February in Angela Pollina's murder trial

Pollina pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree murder in the death of her former fiancee's 8-year-old son, as well as child endangerment charges for her actions against Thomas Valva and his 10-year-old brother Anthony Valva.

bronx.news12.com

Jury selection set for February in Angela Pollina's murder trial​

The ex-fiancée of Michael Valva will head to trial in February for her alleged role in the murder of Thomas Valva.

The district attorney's office tells News 12 that Angela Pollina's jury selection will begin on Feb. 21.

Pollina pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree murder in the death of her former fiancee's 8-year-old son, as well as child endangerment charges for her actions against Thomas Valva and his 10-year-old brother Anthony Valva.

Earlier this month, the boys' father was found guilty of those same charges.

 

[Mel70]

Juror: Jury was initially split on second-degree murder charge in Michael Valva murder trial

Thaddeus Brewer, juror No. 11 in the case, told News 12 that the jury were not in agreement on the "depraved indifference" aspect of the top charges in the first vote they took.

longisland.news12.com

Juror: Jury was initially split on second-degree murder charge in Michael Valva murder trial​

The jury who found Michael Valva guilty of all charges Friday was initially split on the top count of second-degree murder.

Thaddeus Brewer, juror No. 11 in the case, told News 12 that the jury were not in agreement on the "depraved indifference" aspect of the top charges in the first vote they took.

That is why Brewer says the jury asked for the charges to be read back to them and to hear the full audio captured on the morning of the 8-year-old's death where Michael Valva can be heard yelling at his son in an expletive-filled rant while the boy was outside in below freezing temperatures, naked and collapsing.

"Just the fact that he didn't care whether his son lived or died - hearing the video again and seeing that - we knew immediately it was going to be second-degree murder," Brewer says.

If the jury of eight women and four men had not found Michael Valva guilty of second-degree murder, they could have also considered second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide.


Michael Valva will be sentenced on Dec. 8. He faces 25 years to life in prison.

His ex-fiancée is also facing second-degree murder and child endangerment charges.

Had a problem deciding on "Depraved Indifference"?. Even for a minute. Really?. People that should have reported this didn't also. Especially school officials when him and his brother came in "Bruised, Cold and hungry". How can you ignore that and not do anything?! The plumber was a witness to it. There were chances to help him that adults didn't take. I hope he gets life. And he will have fun in prison being he WAS a police officer. Shameful.

 

[Mel70]

what gets me is that somebody thinks they have a pic of the child and nobody took the time to get to know her name? NObody?? How can a child go somewhere where there are adults basically taking care of kids for the day and nobody cared enough about her to know her name or the name of the adults in her life?

Yeah there is no excuse. That's unbelievable. There were chances to intervene and save him and his brother. Not just citizens either, People in authority.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Ex-cop Michael Valva, found guilty of killing son with autism, sentenced

Prosecutors say he forced his 8-year-old son with autism, Thomas Valva, to sleep in the freezing garage of their Suffolk County home.

abc7ny.com

Ex-cop Michael Valva, found guilty of killing son with autism, sentenced​

A former NYPD officer was sentenced to 25 years to life in the murder of his son.


A tearful Valva read a statement to the judge before being sentenced.

"My actions were neglectful and abusive to my boys resulting in the tragic death of Thomas," Valva said.

The defense asked for a lesser sentence and highlighted Valva's career in law enforcement, but the judge threw the book and gave him the maximum sentence.

"How did all of us as a community allow this to happen," an equally emotional Judge William Condon asked out loud to the Riverhead courtroom.

"I don't think you intended to kill Thomas, not at all," he said to Valva, who was still crying. "But there is no getting around that Thomas and Anthony lived their lives in constant duress in the place they should have felt safest, their own home."

"An 8-year-old boy who right now should be getting excited for Christmas is dead, I speak for everybody out there, we can never let this happen again."

Nine of the 12 jurors and three alternates returned to the court to witness Valva's fate.

They said they think he got what he deserved and they felt a sense of closure.

"His definition of love must be different than mine because I have three girls, two that are twins that are 11, that are two months older than Thomas and I couldn't imagine any father doing what he did to his kids," alternate juror Scott Krusen said.

Valva told the judge he accepted receiving the maximum sentence.

"Your honor, I accept your sentence as I already sentenced myself to a lifetime filled of extremely regret, remorse and grief," Valva said.

The trial of Valva's ex-fiancée, 45-year-old Angela Polina, is scheduled for February 2023.

 

[GrandmaBear]

Ex-cop Michael Valva, found guilty of killing son with autism, sentenced

Prosecutors say he forced his 8-year-old son with autism, Thomas Valva, to sleep in the freezing garage of their Suffolk County home.

abc7ny.com

Ex-cop Michael Valva, found guilty of killing son with autism, sentenced​

A former NYPD officer was sentenced to 25 years to life in the murder of his son.


A tearful Valva read a statement to the judge before being sentenced.

"My actions were neglectful and abusive to my boys resulting in the tragic death of Thomas," Valva said.

The defense asked for a lesser sentence and highlighted Valva's career in law enforcement, but the judge threw the book and gave him the maximum sentence.

"How did all of us as a community allow this to happen," an equally emotional Judge William Condon asked out loud to the Riverhead courtroom.

"I don't think you intended to kill Thomas, not at all," he said to Valva, who was still crying. "But there is no getting around that Thomas and Anthony lived their lives in constant duress in the place they should have felt safest, their own home."

"An 8-year-old boy who right now should be getting excited for Christmas is dead, I speak for everybody out there, we can never let this happen again."

Nine of the 12 jurors and three alternates returned to the court to witness Valva's fate.

They said they think he got what he deserved and they felt a sense of closure.

"His definition of love must be different than mine because I have three girls, two that are twins that are 11, that are two months older than Thomas and I couldn't imagine any father doing what he did to his kids," alternate juror Scott Krusen said.

Valva told the judge he accepted receiving the maximum sentence.

"Your honor, I accept your sentence as I already sentenced myself to a lifetime filled of extremely regret, remorse and grief," Valva said.

The trial of Valva's ex-fiancée, 45-year-old Angela Polina, is scheduled for February 2023.

25 years is not even close to enough although I realize it is "25 to life". This man's tears are for himself, NOT his abused, tortured, neglected son and he lucky BOTH are not dead. He knew what he was doing and he taunted the mother and abused his children. They bring up his LE career??!!!! Imo that makes it and made it even worse. Kudos for what the judge said in how did "we" allow this to happen although yes, they allowed it to happen and what else would a smart judge say?

It's a shame he will be warm enough in his cell versus Thomas freezing in an unheated garage barely able to stand from no food and cold.

His little evil honey should take note as she is next.

RIP Thomas, you did not deserve this. And may Thomas' mom be smart enough to stay out of this country that failed her and the system in NY and win her suit against all that failed to listen.

 

[Mel70]

25 years is not even close to enough although I realize it is "25 to life". This man's tears are for himself, NOT his abused, tortured, neglected son and he lucky BOTH are not dead. He knew what he was doing and he taunted the mother and abused his children. They bring up his LE career??!!!! Imo that makes it and made it even worse. Kudos for what the judge said in how did "we" allow this to happen although yes, they allowed it to happen and what else would a smart judge say?

It's a shame he will be warm enough in his cell versus Thomas freezing in an unheated garage barely able to stand from no food and cold.

His little evil honey should take note as she is next.

RIP Thomas, you did not deserve this. And may Thomas' mom be smart enough to stay out of this country that failed her and the system in NY and win her suit against all that failed to listen.

I agree. The sentence isn’t nearly long enough. He could served as little as 12, 13 yrs. I expected a harsh sentence. IMO he should have gotten life without parole. Thomas was robbed of his life, And suffered from horrific. Yes, Other adults were at fault for not taking action. But it sounds to me, That's the reason they went lighter on him?.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Michael Valva's attorneys file notice of appeal

The former NYPD officer was convicted in November of murdering his 8-year-old son Thomas Valva.

bronx.news12.com

Michael Valva's attorneys file notice of appeal​

Michael Valva's attorneys tell News 12 they have filed a notice of appeal.

Valva Moved To Maximum Security Prison Upstate; Notice Of Appeal Filed

Ex-NYPD Officer Michael Valva, sentenced to 25 years to life in the murder of his son, Thomas, spent the holidays in an upstate prison.

patch.com

Valva Moved To Maximum Security Prison Upstate; Notice Of Appeal Filed​

Former-NYPD Officer Michael Valva spent his holidays behind bars at the maximum-security Elmira Correctional Facility in Elmira, New York.

A notice of appeal in Valva's case was filed Dec. 15, according to his attorney John LoTurco. The Supreme Court of the State of New York, Appellate Division, Second Judicial Department in Brooklyn will review the appeals notice, as well as the application for assignment of 18b counsel, known as a public defender for a person who cannot afford their own representation.

Once the 18b appellate counsel is appointed for Valva, "We would expect that the appellate attorney would consult with the trial attorneys to discuss our opinions regarding potential issues and appeal," LoTurco said.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Thomas Valva trial: Jury selection for Angela Polina to begin this week

She is being charged with second-degree murder and four counts of child endangerment.

bronx.news12.com

Thomas Valva trial: Jury selection for Angela Polina to begin this week​

The jury selection for the trial of Angela Polina, the ex-fiancé of former police officer Michael Valva, is set to begin on Wednesday.

Pollina is being charged with second-degree murder and four counts of child endangerment.

'She is scared, her life is on the line," said Matthew Tuohy, Pollina's Attorney.

Polina is accused of being the one who banished the boys to the garage. Prosecutors say that Pollina and Valva forced his two sons, both on the autism spectrum, to sleep on a concrete floor in an unheated garage for months.

'I think it is going to be difficult, a lot of people unfortunately have their minds made up before they even see the evidence," added Tuohy.
Thomas Valva died on January 17, 2020 of hypothermia.

The District Attorney's office did not respond to News 12 when asked to comment ahead of the trial.

 

[Mel70]

Ohhhh. O.K. She's scared. HER life is on the line. Sick of these POS's being coddled. Awwww....Poor you. I bet that boy was terrified.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

12 Jurors, 1 Alternate Chosen In Murder Trial Of Valva's Ex: Lawyer

Angela Pollina was charged with murder after Thomas Valva, 8, froze in his father's garage, officials said. Opening arguments start Monday.

patch.com

12 Jurors, 1 Alternate Chosen In Murder Trial Of Valva's Ex: Lawyer​

A total of 12 jurors and one alternate were chosen Thursday in the trial of Angela Pollina, former fiancée of Michael Valva, an ex-NYPD officer found guilty in the murder of his 8-year-old son Thomas.

Jury selection began Wednesday for the trial, and scores of prospective jurors were excused, saying they couldn't remain impartial.

Matthew Tuohy, Pollina's defense attorney, said four additional alternates will be chosen Friday — with opening arguments in the case scheduled for Monday.

 

[Summer_Breeze]

Thomas Valva trial: Opening statements begin in murder trial of Angela Pollina

Angela Pollina is the second person charged with murder in the death of 8-year-old Thomas Valva. Valva's father, former NYPD officer Michael Valva was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison last year for his son's death.

www.fox5ny.com

By Jodi Goldberg
Published February 27, 2023 5:58PM

NEW YORK - Opening statements were held Monday in the trial of Angela Pollina, the second person charged in the death of 8-year-old Thomas Valva.

<snip>
Prosecutors described Pollina as evil, wicked, and inhumane as they painted a picture of years of abuse at her hands.

They went on to explain her controlling nature, saying the caregiver turned house disciplinarian insisted Valva’s boys call her "Mom" and that she waited a full hour to call the police the morning Thomas died even though she knew he was hypothermic.

However, Pollina's attorney, Matthew Tuohy, believes otherwise and placed the blame on Valva. He told the jury Pollina plans to take the stand and be transparent. Her mom and sister were in court as he explained the importance of hearing the whole story.

 

[kdg411]

 

[Mel70]

Give me a break. Obviously she wasn't the only one to blame like they are making it out to be. People know his father was just as guilty and was convicted for it. If he didn’t like what was going on, He could have stopped it. He WAS a policeman. And there were several adults in authority that could have intervened and didn’t, When they knew something was wrong at home. They need to be charged with a crime too. Every case where an adult of authority has failed to take action and the child ends up deceased.

 

[Summer_Breeze]

Dad Of Pollina Daughter Speaks On Thomas Valva Trial: 'Disgusted'

"She deserves an eye for an eye." — Gino Cali, the father of Angela Pollina's youngest daughter, describes how he felt in the courtroom.

patch.com

Posted Tue, Mar 7, 2023 at 9:15 am ET|
Updated Tue, Mar 7, 2023 at 11:46 am ET
Lisa Finn,Patch Staff

LONG ISLAND, NY — On the night before Angela Pollina — former fiancée of Michael Valva, an ex-NYPD officer convicted of murder in the death of his 8-year-old son — was slated to take the stand in her own defense Tuesday, the father of the youngest of her three daughters spoke out.

Gino Cali, who has attended Pollina's proceedings, said he believed the trial was "moving very fast. The prosecutors are an amazing team and wonderful people."

He did, however, say he wished the prosecution had used some of this daughter's statements, that she'd shared with them.

Cali described the experience of being in the courtroom: "It feels good, and it feels bad, too. It feels good to see her finally getting what she deserves — but the reason we are there is hard to deal with. I feel every emotion. Happiness that my daughter is where she belongs. Then I feel mad that it took a child to die. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions. I’m disgusted when I read what Tommy went through. Being in the courtroom, seeing it myself, made me sick to my stomach and cry."

<snip>
"Knowing what my daughter had to deal with and see breaks my heart," Cali said. "She is the one who saw Tommy dying that morning. All of those children went through traumatic things on different levels in that house. I hope the outcome is the highest punishment — 25 years to life with no possibility of parole. She deserves an eye for an eye, honestly."

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

More at link ~Summer

 

[Summer_Breeze]

Pollina Sobs On Stand During Thomas Valva's Murder Trial: 'I Was Evil'

Angela Pollina, charged with murder in the death of Thomas Valva, 8, who froze in his father's garage, took the stand Tuesday.

patch.com

Lisa Finn,Patch Staff​

Posted Tue, Mar 7, 2023 at 7:20 pm ET

LONG ISLAND, NY — Angela Pollina sobbed on the stand Tuesday as she testified about what happened on the day Thomas Valva, 8, died — and admitted forcing Thomas and his older brother, both autistic, to sleep in a frigid garage.

"I was evil," she said.

Pollina — former fiancée of Michael Valva, an ex-NYPD officer convicted of murder in the death of his 8-year-old son Thomas, who died of hypothermia after being forced to sleep in his father's frigid garage — will be cross-examined by the prosecution Wednesday.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Lengthy article with Angela Pollina's testimony at link. ~Summer

 

[Mel70]

She looks evil too. She's crying for herself!!! You aren't fooling anyone broad. Ongoing abuse. Verbal, Mental and physical. And neglect.

 

[Mel70]

The poor dad. It would make me sick too. She does deserve the death penalty as far as I'm concerned. But New York doesn't have the death penalty. However if they give her 25 years without possibility of parole is the most. But not less, Where she serves only a portion.