EL PASO, Texas – A man has been convicted of the 2021 capital murder of 13-month-old Ahren DeHart in a tragic case that has shocked the community. Marvin Lake was sentenced to life in prison for the heinous crime, which involved the death of the young child while under his care.
The incident occurred in April of 2021 when Lake was babysitting DeHart along with other young children while their mothers were at work. Upon their return, the mothers found DeHart unresponsive, leading to a swift hospitalization. Doctors discovered multiple injuries, including a fractured skull, which were determined to be non-accidental in nature.
Despite efforts to save the child, DeHart tragically passed away in a hospital. Subsequently, Lake was arrested by law enforcement officials and taken into custody at the El Paso County Detention Facility. Details from a police affidavit revealed disturbing information about the events leading up to the child’s death, including admissions from Lake regarding his actions.
The affidavit indicated that Lake had engaged in physical behavior with the toddler, which resulted in the child sustaining fatal injuries. Lake confessed to using excessive force due to his anger issues, leading to the tragic outcome. Moreover, the affidavit highlighted injuries on two other children under Lake’s care at the time, underscoring the severity of the situation.
In the aftermath of the heartbreaking incident, a relative of the DeHart family spoke out about their shock and disbelief over Lake’s involvement. According to the relative, Lake was a trusted family friend who had a close relationship with the DeHarts through mutual connections. The revelation of such a betrayal of trust has left the family and the community reeling from the tragic loss of a young life.
As the case continues to unfold, the impact of this senseless tragedy resonates deeply within the El Paso community, prompting important discussions about safeguarding the well-being of children in all circumstances. The devastating consequences of negligence and violence in child care serve as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability in protecting the most vulnerable members of society.