El Paso County woman pleads guilty for 11-year-old stepson’s ‘forced water intoxication’ death

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- A woman pleaded guilty in connection to the death of her 11-year-old stepson, Zachary Sabin. His death was in March of 2020.

According to court documents, Tara Sabin pleaded guilty Tuesday to criminally negligent homicide. She was initially facing a first-degree murder charge. Zachary's father, Ryan Sabin, was also arrested and charged for his death.

The El Paso County Coroner's report on Zachary Sabin's death said he died of forced water intoxication and was reportedly given 96 ounces of water over a period of several hours.

According to court documents, Ryan and Sabin told police during interviews following the incident that Zachary had urinary issues and needed to drink large quantities of water. However, on the night that he died, Zachary was told to keep drinking water even after throwing up several times.

Zachary also reportedly complained that his legs hurt him so much that he couldn't get off the floor.

Court documents showed that he was kicked twice until he was able to stand up, but a sibling described him as having "wiggly" legs. He was put to bed in pajamas and a diaper and then was found dead in the morning.