A tragic story unfolded over half a decade, culminating in the arrest of a grandmother for the alleged murder of her five-year-old grandson, Dennis “Buu” Von Jr., on Christmas Eve 2019. Sher Connor, 61, faces charges including second-degree assault, witness tampering, first-degree assault, and negligent homicide. The case highlights the devastating consequences of alleged child abuse and the complexities of navigating the legal system.
Sher Connor, 61, is escorted from Franklin Court, in New Hampshire, where she was charged in the 2019 death of her 5-year-old grandson.
A History of Alleged Abuse
Connor gained custody of Buu and his three siblings in 2017. Prosecutors allege that what followed was a two-year period of horrific abuse. The children were reportedly starved, forced to run up and down stairs naked until they collapsed, and subjected to freezing cold baths during which Connor would hold their heads underwater.
Neighbors have come forward as witnesses, claiming to have witnessed Connor’s alleged abuse firsthand. They reported seeing her stomp on the children, straddle them with a pillow over their faces to suffocate them, and strike them with objects, leaving bruises and scratches that she would attempt to conceal by forcing the children to wear long sleeves in public. Prosecutors also allege that Connor used hot sauce on the genitals of the male children as punishment.
The Fatal Incident
The alleged abuse culminated on Christmas Eve 2019. Prosecutors say Connor became enraged when Buu left some clothes on the floor. She allegedly forced him to wear the clothes and run in place until he could no longer stand. When the five-year-old collapsed, Connor allegedly beat him with a broom until it broke.
Buu’s condition worsened the following day. He was unable to control his bodily functions, could not eat or swallow, had a high fever, and was hallucinating. Despite this, Connor allegedly did not seek medical attention for him. When law enforcement finally became involved, Buu was unresponsive and later pronounced dead.
Dennis "Buu" Von Jr., 5, who died on Christmas Eve 2019, after being in the care of his grandmother, Sherri Connor.
A Mother’s Fight for Justice
Buu’s mother, Danielle Vau, had been fighting to regain custody of her children from her mother at the time of Buu’s death. She claims to have made multiple reports of suspected abuse and neglect to the state Division for Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) during the two years Connor had custody of the children. Danielle has since filed a civil lawsuit against DCYF, alleging they failed to protect her children.
The Long Road to Justice
Despite Buu’s death being ruled a homicide shortly after his death, it took nearly five years for Connor to be arrested and indicted. Legal experts explain that prosecutors must build a strong case with sufficient evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, especially in cases involving child abuse.
The Challenges of the Case
The prosecution faces several challenges in this case. The alleged abuse occurred over a significant period, and memories of the events may have faded. The key witnesses are the surviving siblings, who are minors and may find it traumatizing to testify against their grandmother.
Awaiting Trial
Connor is currently being held without bail. Her defense attorney has noted that she has no prior criminal history and is battling cancer in both her throat and chest. It remains to be seen how these factors will play into the case as it proceeds.
Seeking Answers and Accountability
The tragic death of Buu Von Jr. raises questions about the effectiveness of child protection services and the role of family members in caring for vulnerable children. As the legal process unfolds, the hope is that justice will be served and that measures will be taken to prevent such horrific tragedies from happening again.
