Father sentenced to life in prison after daughter dies over abuse stemming from bedwetting

BRYAN, Texas (KBTX/Gray News) - A man has been sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty in a deadly child abuse case in Texas.

Justin Hopper was convicted last Thursday of injury to a child with intent to cause bodily injury for abusing his twin daughters, which ultimately led to the death of one of the girls, 6-year-old Arianna Battelle.

Hopper’s conviction follows the trial of the twins’ stepmother, Jessica Bundren.

In November 2023, Bundren was found guilty of similar charges and was also sentenced to life in prison.

Police said their investigation into the reported abuse started in 2020.

There were few dry eyes in the courtroom as the prosecution and defense laid out their final arguments in Hopper’s case. After deliberating for around 15 minutes, the jury returned its verdict.

Kimberly Elias, Hopper’s stepmother, said after years of waiting, justice was finally served.

“I think justice was served, and I think anything less than the maximum would’ve diminished the seriousness of the crime,” she said.

Arianna Battelle was found dead in the couple’s home on Oct. 27, 2020.

Court records revealed that the couple used belts and paddles as forms of punishment for the children over such things as bedwetting or not eating fast enough.

During Bundren’s trial, her defense attempted to shift the blame onto Hopper.

The jury heard testimony from several witnesses before deciding their verdict.

A forensic nurse brought by the prosecution testified that of the hundreds of children she’s treated in her career, this case was the worst she had seen.

Hopper’s friends and his father then took the stand on his behalf, testifying that Hopper was a loving father before his involvement with Bundren.

Assistant District Attorney Kara Comte said her recommendation of a life sentence wasn’t made lightly.

“We recognize what it means to ask for a life sentence. That’s a long time, and this case, of all the cases that I’ve ever prosecuted, this case deserved it,” she said.

Elias hopes the closure will eventually bring healing.

“If you’ve got kids or grandkids, you go home and you hug them and know how lucky you are. Because this is a heartbreak you don’t want,” she said.

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