Trial date set for Anthony Waldron in death of his step-son Jordan Brooks

Oswego, N.Y. — A trial date was set Thursday for Anthony Waldron who faces murder charges in the death of his step son, Jordan Brooks.

Brooks, a 17-year-old boy with cerebral palsy, died on May 9, 2021 from sepsis and malnutrition, authorities have said. He weighed only 55 pounds – the average weight of a boy half his age.

Investigations have revealed the boy had many open, bleeding sores. His tailbone was exposed and his hip implant was visible through his skin, according to a state report.

Jordan’s mother, Lisa, 43, and Anthony Waldron, 46, of Palermo, were charged in July 2022 with second-degree murder and first-degree assault. Originally they were arraigned in March on charges of manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide and endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person.

Lisa and Anthony Waldron were released from jail in July. They are being electronically monitored and on probation while their court case proceeds.

Anthony Waldron arrived in court Thursday walking with a cane. His wife did not appear.

Judge Armen J. Nazarian set the trial date for 9 a.m. April 10 in Pulaski. (A court official explained afterward the courtroom is bigger in Pulaski than ones available in Oswego.)

Anthony and Lisa Waldron are having separate trials.

Salvatore Lanza, Waldron’s third lawyer on the case, raised concerns about whether or not the sheriff’s deputies who were at the Waldrons’ home had a search warrant.

Anthony Waldron spoke up in court saying his wife Lisa may have given consent, but he did not.

“The officer claimed he didn’t need a warrant to go into a house in the United States,” Anthony Waldron said.

He also said the officers did not read him his rights.

Lanza asked the judge to bar photos taken during the search. Outside of the courtroom, Lanza told reporters the photos were of Jordan’s wheelchair.

Teachers and staff in the Mexico Central School District told sheriff’s deputies that the wheelchair reeked of urine and that they had to buy a new cushion for it. Dryer sheets had been shoved inside the cushion, one staff member said.

Additionally, Lanza argued that a judge taking over the case will have a conflict of interest. Nazarin is being moved to Onondaga County for six months, switching with judge Melinda McGunnigle.

Lanza argued McGunnigle would be conflicted having been the chief murder prosecutor in Onondaga County before she was elected judge. Outside the court, however, he said he feels “good” about McGunnigle as a judge on the case.

Lanza defended Anthony Waldron.

“He did nothing wrong whatsoever,” Lanza said. “My client tried to do what he could, as man of the house.”

The state Office of Children and Family Services, which reviewed Jordan’s death, said that county caseworkers inadequately investigated allegations against Jordan’s parents before the teen’s death.

Anthony and Lisa worked with social services and tried to get help, Lanza said.

Anthony Waldron has a pre-trial conference on Jan. 30 to finalize paperwork and a few additional motions.

Waldron is “pretty adamant that he’s going to trial,” Lanza said, adding no plea bargains have been offered.

Anthony and Lisa Waldron are facing 15 years to life in prison if convicted.

More Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard coverage on Jordan Brooks

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