Mom Repeatedly Slammed Son’s Head into Bedroom Wall, then Claimed his Father Ran the Boy Over

A mother from Minnesota has been sentenced to nearly 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to the second-degree murder of her 23-month-old son, Aaryan. Larena Jackson, 31, fatally injured her son by repeatedly slamming his head against a bedroom wall. Jackson’s actions in August 2023 left her son with fatal blunt force trauma, and she later attempted to cover up the crime by falsely claiming that Aaryan had been run over by his father, Robert Ortez.

The Tragic Incident and the False Story

On the day of the tragedy, Jackson called the police, stating that Aaryan had been run over by his father, Ortez, who allegedly drove his car over the child. However, investigators soon uncovered the truth. Ortez, in an interview with Valley News Live, clarified that his car was in the shop for repairs and could not have been involved in the incident. The deception unraveled as authorities found significant blood spatter and head-shaped holes in the walls of Jackson’s home, which pointed to the brutal nature of the child’s death. Aaryan, who had been critically injured, died five days later in the hospital.

Jackson’s Plea and Sentencing

In February, Jackson entered a guilty plea to second-degree murder, citing her intoxication at the time of the crime. She claimed she was under the influence of drugs and could not remember the events clearly, using a Norgaard plea. This legal plea allows a defendant to admit to committing the crime while stating they cannot recall specific details due to intoxication or memory loss. Despite her plea, the impact of the crime on her family was devastating. Jackson was sentenced to 17 and a half years in prison with credit for the 581 days she had already served. In addition to murder, she faced charges of first-degree assault, malicious punishment of a child, and fleeing from a peace officer. Her actions have left her ex-husband, Ortez, grappling with the loss of his son and unanswered questions.

The Impact on the Family

The grieving father, Robert Ortez, shared his anguish, stating he still cannot understand why Jackson took Aaryan’s life. He expressed his pain over the lack of an explanation from his ex-wife. “I still don’t know, to this day, what happened because she isn’t saying anything,” Ortez told Valley News Live. Despite the court’s sentencing, Ortez feels that justice has not been fully served. He added, “She deserves life in prison.” Jackson’s actions have left a lasting void for Ortez, who now faces the reality of raising the memory of his son alone. The case serves as a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and child abuse, especially when fueled by substance abuse and deception. The sentencing of Larena Jackson has closed one chapter in a heartbreaking case, but the emotional toll on Aaryan’s family will persist for years to come.