Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Givens Pleads Guilty to Killing 4-Year-Old, Receives Life Sentence

6/1/2026

42 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Quatavia Givens pleaded guilty to killing 4-year-old Darnell Gray in Jefferson City, Missouri, receiving life imprisonment plus 15 years.
She led volunteers in a six-day search, claiming the boy vanished and rehearsing details such as juice boxes and a coat.
Prosecutor Locke Thompson said the autopsy took nearly a year and mental-health reviews delayed the case, but the plea ensures accountability.

1 of 1

Story summary

Quatavia Givens pleaded guilty to killing 4-year-old Darnell Gray in Jefferson City, Missouri, receiving life imprisonment plus 15 years.
She led volunteers in a six-day search, claiming the boy vanished and rehearsing details such as juice boxes and a coat.
Prosecutor Locke Thompson said the autopsy took nearly a year and mental-health reviews delayed the case, but the plea ensures accountability.