Parents Of Murdered Toddler Moving Forward After Stepmom's Conviction

Emily Baucum, News On 6

WAGONER COUNTY -- Shiloh Brafford was convicted Friday of murdering her 14-month-old stepson Davis in July 2008. A Wagoner County jury sentenced her to 40 years for the murder, and now baby Davis' mother and father said they are thrilled there is finally justice for their son.

Medical records showed that on July 20, 2008, little Davis Brafford was shaken and suffered a blow to the head. He was in the care of stepmom Shiloh Brafford, who gave police conflicting stories about exactly what happened.

8/7/2010 Related Story: Broken Arrow Woman Charged In Toddler's Death

"I would love to just drive up to the prison one day and just say, 'Just tell me what happened. Just tell me,'" Daniel said. "He was perfect. He was a loveable baby boy. He was learning to walk."

At the time, Daniel Brafford was married to Shiloh. He's now married to Amber Brafford, who was Davis' biological mother.

Amber's parents, David and Linda Schachle, were worried Shiloh would literally get away with murder.

"On his death, we sort of made him a promise that we would stay with this until the truth actually came out," David Schachle said.

The Schachles convinced the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to take on their grandson's case, paving the way for a jury to find Shiloh Brafford guilty.

3/22/2011 Related Story: Trial Underway For Woman Charged In Death Of Infant Stepson

"It still hasn't hit. I don't think it's hit me yet," Daniel said.

"It doesn't seem real," Amber Brafford said.

Complicating an already tense situation, Shiloh was pregnant when she was charged with Davis' murder. A court granted Daniel custody of Collin, who's now 18 months old.

Together, Daniel and Amber are raising the boy who will never know his brother.

"I've never moved on from it, but I've accepted it. I think about my son Davis every day," Daniel said.

Shiloh Brafford will be formally sentenced on April 27, which is the day after what would have been Davis' fourth birthday.