Judge takes 20 minutes to convict man in 8-year-old’s ‘horrific’ beating death from 2020

A man accused of fatally beating 8-year-old Kendrick Lee, whose skeletal remains were discovered in a Harris County apartment where his brothers were residing unaccompanied, has been sentenced to life imprisonment after being convicted of capital murder.

Brian Coulter, 34, faced trial and received the life sentence without the possibility of parole after a bench trial presided over by Judge Kelli Johnson of the 178th Harris County Criminal District Court. Coulter, who pleaded not guilty, chose to proceed with a trial without a jury present.

Following about 20 minutes of deliberation, Judge Johnson delivered the verdict, expressing profound dismay at the tragic circumstances surrounding Kendrick’s death. She directed her remarks toward Coulter, emphasizing the haunting impact of the children’s plight on her.

Coulter, who remained impassive throughout the trial, was led away in handcuffs following Judge Johnson’s ruling. His legal team indicated plans to file an appeal but declined further comment after the verdict.

The Harris County Assistant District Attorney, Celeste Byrom, underscored the tragedy of Kendrick Lee’s death and emphasized the imperative of seeking justice on his behalf.

During the trial, Kendrick’s surviving brothers, aged 17, 12, and 9, provided testimony detailing the relentless abuse they endured under Coulter’s care. They recounted incidents of physical assault, including kicks, punches, and beatings with household objects, leading up to Kendrick’s death. The 9-year-old brother, who witnessed the fatal assault, testified about Coulter’s brutal actions, including his use of toys as weapons.

The brothers described a life of confinement, often locked in a bedroom with limited access to basic amenities. Prosecutors presented evidence of the deplorable living conditions inside the apartment, including photos of a door with an exterior deadbolt lock.

Kendrick’s skeletal remains were discovered beneath a blue blanket in the apartment on Oct. 24, 2021, by deputies responding to a call from his eldest brother. The surviving siblings, now in protective custody, provided harrowing testimony about their ordeal.

Coulter’s trial revealed shocking details of the abuse endured by Kendrick and his brothers, shedding light on the tragic circumstances leading to Kendrick’s untimely demise.