Anchorage Man Convicted in Toddler's Fatal Head Trauma
A jury found a local man guilty of murder following the 2022 death of a 2-year-old child from abusive head trauma.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Toddlers
An Anchorage jury has convicted Christopher Sture of two counts of second-degree murder in the death of a 2-year-old child. The toddler died in 2022 following injuries identified by physicians as abusive head trauma.
Why it matters
This case highlights the clinical and legal response to pediatric abusive head trauma, a severe form of injury often caused by shaking or blunt force. The verdict follows years of medical and investigative review regarding the child's care and prior injuries.
The trial involved medical evidence from over a dozen treating physicians and experts who evaluated the child's fatal traumatic brain injury. While the jury confirmed these injuries resulted from abuse, specific aspects of the incident remain part of the broader legal record.
The players
Christopher Sture
The individual convicted on two counts of second-degree murder in the death of a toddler.
Providence Alaska Medical Center
A healthcare facility that provided medical treatment to the child involved in this case.
Alaska CARES
A child abuse resource and evaluation center that participated in the investigation.
The details
Abusive head trauma occurs when a child is shaken, slammed, or subjected to blunt force, causing internal brain damage. In this case, testimony indicated that the victim experienced significant injuries and bruises in the months preceding his death. Medical professionals at Providence Alaska Medical Center and specialists from Alaska CARES provided critical evidence regarding the nature of these fatal injuries.
Timeline
October 27, 2022: Christopher Sture was home alone with the 2-year-old victim.
November 1, 2022: The child was declared dead after the incident.
October 22, 2026: An Anchorage jury returned guilty verdicts on two counts of second-degree murder.
February 3, 2027: Sentencing is scheduled for the convicted individual.
Health Landscape
The medical community relies on standardized diagnostic criteria to distinguish accidental injuries from those caused by abuse. This case reflects the ongoing evolution of how pediatric teams document and report suspicious head trauma to authorities.
Recognizing the signs of abusive head trauma is critical for anyone involved in pediatric care. Parents and caregivers should discuss concerns about unexplained bruising or injuries with a pediatrician immediately.
The takeaway
Abusive head trauma represents a severe health risk to young children that often requires multidisciplinary medical intervention to identify. Caregivers should prioritize professional medical evaluations for any signs of unexplained injuries, such as recurring bruises, in children.
What happens next
Christopher Sture is scheduled for sentencing on February 3, 2027, in an Anchorage courtroom.
Further reading
Learn more about identifying pediatric trauma at our Toddlers section.
