DETROIT – The mother of an 8-year-old Detroit boy who authorities say was beaten to death by his stepfather was sentenced in Wayne County court after pleading guilty to a child abuse charge.
Kentoria Latricia Moss pleaded guilty to second-degree child abuse and was sentenced to 18 months to 10 years in prison as part of a plea agreement.
“This betrayal that I suffer right now today, it hurts so bad. We can never come back from this. He’s gone. I can never love on my only grandson,” said Adrianna Thimes, the grandmother of Adren Thimes Jr.
Thimes told the judge the sentence was too lenient.
“I can never get him back, but 18 months to 10 years is not enough for her,” she said. “She knew very well, and I asked her was she in trouble. I could have helped her in any kind of way.”
Police have said Adren died at the family’s home in November 2024.
Moss was charged along with Adren’s stepfather, Jamarr Hill, in the case.
Hill pleaded guilty to second-degree homicide and was sentenced to 18 to 40 years in prison. Judge John Gillis said at Hill’s sentencing last year that the case was among the worst he had seen.
In the courtroom during Moss’ sentencing, prosecutor Mickenzie Wheeler said Adren needed protection.
“All Adren needed on the night of his death was his mother,” Wheeler said. “He needed his mother to be there for him, and on that night, she wasn’t there for him.”
Thimes said Moss was aware of abuse going on in the home, citing several instances where child protective services had been called.
Moss addressed the court, apologizing and acknowledging she did not stop the abuse.
“That night haunts me. Not a day goes by that I don’t wish that I had protected him and just left,” Moss said. “I should have spoke up. I should’ve asked for help.”
A judge told Moss that while she now knows her sentence, she will live with her actions long after her release.
“We don’t know when you’re getting out. You have your minimum, but there’s a maximum of 10 years,” the judge said. “But long after the release, you will have to live with this and with your conscience.”