An Oregon couple has been sentenced to life in prison for the death of a 17-year-old boy with autism who suffered extensive injuries before his body was found stuffed inside a cardboard box in the family's garage, authorities said.
Background
Amanda Edwards, 40, and Nathan Cullins, 33, were longtime romantic partners who lived with Edwards' son, Thomas Strong, in Lakeview, Oregon—a small community nearly 350 miles south of Portland. The boy had autism and attended Lakeview High School, where he enjoyed art class and cooking, according to his obituary.
The Oregon Department of Human Services began receiving reports about abuse and neglect concerns in November 2024 after Edwards abruptly pulled Strong from school, authorities stated. Over the following weeks, child welfare officials and school representatives repeatedly attempted to coordinate services with Edwards, who resisted their efforts at every turn.
A report from Disability Rights Oregon detailed how teachers, concerned citizens, and Strong's grandfather pleaded with state officials to take action. The nonprofit organization, which used the pseudonym "Lucas" for Strong in its report, found that between December 11-17, 2024, caseworkers ignored urgent communications from the school principal, teachers, and a school resource officer about the teen's concerning weight loss and life-threatening conditions at home.
When Lucas was observed on the morning of December 12, he was still sleeping at 9 AM and had dark circles under his eyes, according to the report. The home featured blackout curtains, bags of trash throughout, and a rifle with a full sleeve of ammunition aimed at the front door.
The Investigation
The organization determined Strong likely died alone on or around February 1, 2025. Eleven days later, his grandfather reported Edwards' substance abuse issues and ongoing work absence. On February 18, 2025, the Oregon Department of Human Services obtained a child protective custody order from Lake County Circuit Court.
While serving that order at the defendants' residence in the 300 block of G Street, officials discovered Strong's body inside a cardboard box in the family's garage. An autopsy revealed the victim had suffered extensive injuries from long-term abuse and ultimately died of blunt force trauma, according to the Oregon Department of Justice.
During the investigation, law enforcement uncovered video footage of the abuse that Edwards and Cullins had recorded themselves, authorities said.
The Sentences
Edwards was sentenced this week to life in prison with no possibility of parole for at least 25 years after being convicted of murder by abuse, second-degree abuse of a corpse, and first-degree criminal mistreatment. Cullins received life in prison with no possibility of parole for at least 35 years for first-degree murder, second-degree abuse of a corpse, and first-degree criminal mistreatment.
Both defendants entered into plea agreements with prosecutors before trial, regional CBS affiliate KOIN reported.
Key Takeaways
- Thomas Strong, who was 17 and had autism, was pulled from Lakeview High School in November 2024 before officials say he died on or around February 1, 2025
- His body was discovered eleven days later inside a cardboard box in the family's garage during a child custody service
- Autopsy results confirmed he died from blunt force trauma with injuries consistent with long-term abuse
- Defense attorneys negotiated plea deals that allowed both defendants to avoid potential death penalty exposure
- Disability Rights Oregon criticized the Department of Human Services for failing to act despite multiple warnings from the community
What's Next
Both sentences are now final. The Oregon Department of Human Services has not publicly commented on the Disability Rights Oregon report criticizing its handling of the case.