Tigard woman gets life in prison for killing son

TIGARD, Ore. — (KGW News) The mother of a murdered 4-year-old Tigard boy was sentenced Friday to life in prison.

During Jessica Dutros trial, prosecutors argued that she killed her son, Zachary, in part because she believed he was gay.

She was found guilty of murder, murder by abuse and second-degree assault.

Investigators said Dutro and her boyfriend, Brian Canady, beat the child to death in August, 2012 at a Tigard homeless shelter.

Canady pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to 12.5 years in prison.

Neither can ever again have contact with Zachary’s three siblings, including his 8-year-old sister who witnessed the beating and testified in the case.

“You made an 8-year-old come here and testify, in front of a jury, when you have no tryable case,” said Washington County Circuit Court Judge Don Letourneau. “That is very low.”

He added that Canady’s actions were low, but not as low as Dutro’s.

She will be eligible for parole in 25 years.