the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hackensack NJ, emotions ran high in a Bergen County Superior Court courtroom on June 13, 2025, as Grace Yoo Chan, a mother from River Edge, was sentenced to five years in prison for the 2022 death of her 3-month-old son, Elliot. The courtroom was filled with grief-stricken family members, attorneys, and community observers as Judge Kevin Purvin delivered the ruling.
📌 Case Background
Chan, who pleaded guilty to reckless manslaughter in November 2024, admitted to causing the death of her infant son through negligence and abuse. During sentencing, she addressed the court in a tearful statement, pleading for a second chance to be a mother to her surviving children.
“I implore you to consider allowing me a second chance to be the mother I always intended to be to my living children,” Chan said through tears. “This punishment was mine to bear alone and not for them.”
⚖️ Sentencing Details
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Sentence: 5 years in prison
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Parole eligibility: After serving 85% of her sentence
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Defense request: Attorneys Brian Neary and Suzanne Axel had asked for a 4-year sentence
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Defense argument: Chan has already endured significant emotional suffering and expressed deep remorse
Axel described Chan as “her own worst enemy,” emphasizing that no external punishment could be worse than the shame she has inflicted upon herself.
“Her own words to herself are so powerful in her regret and her remorse and her shame,” Axel told the court.
👶 Infant Victim: Elliot Chan
Chief Assistant Prosecutor Anthony Talarico presented disturbing evidence of abuse, including:
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Multiple broken bones
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Autopsy photos (included in brief)
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Photos of Elliot during his short life, used to humanize the infant during sentencing
Talarico told the court that Chan “betrayed” her child and failed in her duty to protect him during his most vulnerable moments.
💬 Chan’s Statement to the Court
Chan took responsibility for her actions, saying she “was not there when [Elliot] needed her the most.” She also revealed she intends to seek therapy to help reunify with her family and better herself emotionally and mentally.
She spent 13 months in jail prior to sentencing, during which she claimed she underwent a personal transformation and began to accept responsibility.
📰 Conclusion
This tragic case highlights the importance of mental health, parenting support, and child safety. Grace Yoo Chan’s sentencing closes a heartbreaking chapter in a Bergen County courtroom, but the emotional scars remain for the family and the community.
If you or someone you know is struggling with parenting stress or postpartum mental health, resources are available to help prevent future tragedies.
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5yrs is not enough!!
Seriously, only 5 years?!!