Mother Sentenced to 50 Years for Role in Son’s Death; Body Was Left With Siblings for Nearly a Year

HOUSTON, TX — Gloria Williams was sentenced to 50 years in prison on Tuesday after pleading guilty to injury of a child, related to the 2020 death of her son, Kendrick Lee, who was 8 years old when he was beaten to death by her then-partner, Brian Coulter.

Kendrick’s body was discovered nearly a year after his death in a Houston apartment where his three brothers, ages 15, 10, and 7, were left to live alone. The boys’ 15-year-old sibling called 911, prompting authorities to find Kendrick’s remains. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez described the apartment as filthy and unfit for living, with no furniture, bedding, or blankets, and plagued by roaches and flies.

Court documents revealed that Coulter, who was sentenced in April to life without parole, allegedly kicked and punched Kendrick repeatedly, leaving him to die under a blue blanket. According to court testimony, Williams was aware of her son’s death but chose not to report it, fearing jail and potential intervention from Child Protective Services.

A CPS report later detailed years of investigations into the family, uncovering prior abuse allegations involving Williams’ ex-boyfriend in 2015 and further neglectful supervision allegations in 2020. Despite nine separate CPS investigations, intervention only occurred twice.

“Even though we can’t bring back Kendrick Lee, at least we can ensure that his killer never again breathes free air,” said Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg, following the sentencing.