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Prosecutors: Tot's death slow, painful; Two-day-old internal injuries cited

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BRIAN BALLOU

Boston Herald.

New details that indicate Dontel Jeffers likely died an excruciating death about three hours before his allegedly abusive foster mother sought help caused a ripple of gasps yesterday in court from relatives of the dead boy.

"It rocked the bottom of my heart to realize people can be so vicious and cruel," said Phillipa Jeffers, aunt of the 4-year-old victim. "He was a defenseless child and no one deserves to die like that."

Corinne Stephen, 24, of Dorchester, entered the courtroom yesterday concealing her face with clothing. She was charged with second-degree murder for allegedly beating Dontel over 11 days, ending with his death March 6. She was held on $100,000 bail and faces a hearing July 29.

The defendant's mother, sitting in the courtroom and concealing her face with a hat, said, "I just want to offer my sincere condolences to the family."

Authorities say Dontel's death was slow and painful because he had two severe internal injuries that were likely inflicted up to two days before his death.

Stephen allegedly gave several explanations for Dontel's injuries, saying he had hit his head on a radiator, been in a fight, and fallen down stairs. She said Dontel was difficult to manage and had behavioral issues, but officials at the bridge home where Dontel previously stayed said he was well-mannered.

Another new detail offers clues as to why the grand jury investigation remains open despite the charges against Stephen. More charges may be brought against others for aiding in the crime, said David Deakin, Suffolk assistant district attorney.

Deakin said that moments after Stephen brought Dontel to Caritas Carney Hospital, she dispatched her boyfriend and her 19-year-old cousin back to her apartment at 5 Ballou Ave. When police arrived, the cousin prevented them from entering for three hours.

Once inside, they found a bucket of soapy water and a long telephone cord in the trash can.

Authorities believe Dontel was bound by such a cord because he had ligature marks on his wrists and his hands were swollen.

Dontel also had fingernail scratches and bruises on his head and body.

Carl Donaldson, Stephen's lawyer, said, "We all know that sometimes medical evidence is disputable and can be inaccurate."

Three days before Dontel died, a DSS social worker contacted Stephen to request a home visit by the boy's biological mother, Chrystal Claiborne, but Stephen told the social worker she had plans the following day, Deakin said.

2005 Jul 2