COLLIN COUNTY, Texas – A 28-year-old Princeton man was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to repeatedly beating and starving his six young children, leaving some with permanent scars and severe malnutrition, authorities said.

What we know:

Kevin Dixon was sentenced on seven counts of injury to a child causing serious bodily injury, Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced.

District Judge Kim Laseter sentenced Dixon to life in prison on five counts related to physical abuse and 25 years on two counts related to malnourishment. 

Due to a prior felony conviction, Dixon faced a punishment ranging from 15 to 99 years, or life in prison on each count.

What they’re saying:

Authorities said the abuse came to light after the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services contacted the family in February 2025. 

Five of the children, all under age 10 and as young as two, had numerous marks and permanent scars and appeared severely underweight for their ages.

According to officials, the agency had previously warned Dixon in 2021 about failing to provide adequate living conditions and using excessive discipline.

“This father brutally beat and starved his own young children, some toddlers, leaving permanent scars and lasting trauma,” Willis said in a statement. “A tough sentence, like life in prison, is what it takes to protect vulnerable kids and ensure those who inflict such harm face full accountability.”

Local perspective:

After seeing the children’s condition in 2025, officers with the Princeton Police Department opened an investigation. 

The children were interviewed at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County, where they described being deprived of food and repeatedly struck with belts and cords, including one child who was beaten for taking a candy bar.

One detective documented extensive injuries and scarring on the children, including the 2-year-old, officials said.

The backstory:

Dixon, who had a prior 2015 robbery conviction for which he served prison time, pleaded guilty to all seven counts. 

He will serve life sentences on the five counts involving physical abuse and 25-year sentences on the two counts involving malnourishment.

A 28-year-old man will spend the rest of his life in prison for the repeated physical abuse and starvation of his young children, Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced Wednesday.

Kevin Dixon, of Princeton, was convicted of seven counts of injury to a child causing serious bodily injury, according to the Collin County DA’s Office. 

DFPS report leads to investigation

In 2021, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services received a report that Dixon had failed to provide his small children with adequate living conditions, and Dixon was warned against excessive discipline, officials said. 

According to court records, in February 2025, DFPS contacted the Dixon family again and found that five children, who were under the age of 10, including a 2-year-old, had numerous marks and permanent scars on their bodies. DFPS also said the children were severely malnourished, weighing far less than normal for their ages.

After being notified of the children’s condition, the Princeton Police Department launched an investigation.

Police said during an interview at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County, the children detailed the physical abuse and how Dixon wouldn’t feed them and repeatedly beat them with belts and cords.

One child told authorities they were beaten for taking a candy bar.

More evidence revealed at trial

Following his arrest and charges, Dixon pleaded guilty to seven counts of injury to a child causing serious bodily injury, the Collin County DA’s Office said. 

During the punishment phase of the hearing, evidence of Dixon’s prior 2015 robbery conviction was presented. Due to his prior felony conviction, Dixon faced between 15 and 99 years or life in prison for his crimes against his children

The Collin County jury sentenced Dixon to life in prison on each of the five counts alleging physical abuse, and 25 years on two counts alleging malnourishment.

In a statement following Dixon’s sentence, Willis said his office will always continue to stand up for children who can’t defend themselves.

“A tough sentence like life in prison is what it takes to protect vulnerable kids and ensure those who inflict such harm face full accountability,” said Willis.