Larissa Rodriguez and her boyfriend Christopher Rodriguez, who were both accused of killing Larissa's 5-year-old son Jordan, each pleaded guilty Thursday to a lesser charge of involuntary manslaughter.
Both Rodriguezes also pleaded guilty to felonious assault, endangering children, and offenses against a human corpse. In exchange, prosecutors dropped the charges of murder.
Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Judge Nancy Margaret Russo immediately sentenced Larissa Rodriguez to 25 years in prison and Christopher Rodriguez to 28, the latter being the maximum possible sentence. Each defendant will also be subject to five years probation following release.
The couple were both accused of killing Larissa's son Jordan Rodriguez last year and burying him in the backyard of their W 80th St. home in Cleveland. He was found in December, but police say Jordan died in September.
According to a court document, the remains showed "multiple signs of abuse, including broken ribs."
Earlier this year, Larissa Rodriguez pleaded guilty to food stamp fraud and was sentenced to six years in prison. From July 2015 to 2017, case worker Nancy Caraballo paid Rodriguez 50 cents for every $1 of food stamps benefits. Caraballo was sentenced to three years behind bars.
Prior to sentencing Christopher Rodriguez, Judge Russo became particularly emotional as she reflected on the case, at time fighting back tears.
"In 22 years, I never showed emotion," she said. "This is one of the worst things I’ve seen in my life. You just keep having babies, disregarding their purpose in life. I did not even hear you say you were sorry. These crimes were horrific—this child was abused."
Neither Larissa nor Christopher Rodriguez chose to address the court.