A federal judge has approved the $9 million settlement between Suffolk and the mother of Thomas Valva, the 8-year-old boy who was killed by his father and father's fiancee when they forced him to sleep in a freezing garage, avoiding what would have been a lengthy and costly trial, the judge said. "Upon review of the proposed settlement materials, I find that the settlement is fair and reasonable and in the infant plaintiffs’ best interests," U.S. District Judge Brian M. Cogan wrote, referring to Thomas’ siblings, Anthony and Andrew. "This case has already been pending for over six years; taking it to trial would have protracted it further and compounded the expense involved." Link in bio for more information. (Photo credit: Cecilia Dowd, Justyna Zubko-Valva) . . . #longisland #longislandny #longislandnewyork