Wisconsin Woman Sentenced to Life for Brutal Killing of 6-Year-Old Boy Left Covered in Injuries
MILWAUKEE, WI — A Milwaukee woman has been sentenced to life in prison without parole after authorities say she brutally abused her boyfriend’s 6-year-old son, leaving him so injured that he could barely stand before collapsing at a hospital, where he later died.
Hospital Cameras Captured the Boy Barely Conscious as He Collapsed
According to surveillance footage reviewed by investigators, 6-year-old Zane McAttee-Adams appeared “barely conscious” when he arrived at a Milwaukee-area hospital on July 21, 2024. Prosecutors said he could not walk on his own, collapsing in the lobby before Anitra Burks, 34, picked him up by the shoulder and dragged him inside.
Doctors were stunned at the extent of trauma covering the child’s body. Medical reports showed bruises “from head to toe” — including his face, chest, legs, arms, and even his genitals. He also suffered a broken rib, multiple cuts, and signs of prolonged physical abuse.
Zane was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
An autopsy determined he died from extensive blunt force trauma. His core temperature measured 92 degrees, indicating his body was already shutting down long before Burks brought him in.
Burks Was the Sole Caregiver and Offered “No Explanation” for the Injuries
Prosecutors said Burks was the only adult caring for Zane at the time.
The boy’s father was incarcerated on an unrelated case, leaving Burks responsible for Zane’s daily care.
When questioned about the injuries, Burks allegedly offered a vague story claiming Zane had eaten eggs, vomited, and then appeared sick — a version of events doctors said was completely inconsistent with the extensive abuse they observed.
Investigators noted her past:
Burks previously served nearly three years in prison after pouring hot water on a 10-month-old child, causing severe burns.
Judge Calls Abuse “Inhumane” as Prosecutors Describe a Pattern of Torture
Court records show a heartbreaking timeline of neglect and violence. Zane’s injuries suggested repeated assaults over time, not an isolated incident. Prosecutors emphasized that the boy’s suffering was prolonged and brutal, leading the court to sentence Burks to life without the possibility of parole.
Family members described the horror of what Zane endured.
His grandmother, Yvette Adams, told local reporters:
“She had my baby in a whole horror story. She is a monster.”
Another relative said Zane was a bright, loving child who deserved safety and care — not the violence he endured.
A Community Mourning a Child Lost to Violence
Zane’s death has shaken the Milwaukee community, raising questions about how repeated abuse went undetected — and how a previous offender was allowed to supervise a child with no oversight.
The family has vowed to keep Zane’s memory alive and push for stronger protective measures for vulnerable children.
What do you think can be done to prevent tragedies like this — and why do so many warning signs get missed? Share your thoughts with us at ChicagoMusicGuide.com.