Flagstaff, Arizona – A heart-wrenching case of child abuse has come to a tragic end as Anthony Martinez was found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of his young son, Deshaun Martinez. The six-year-old boy was discovered unresponsive after being starved to death while locked in a closet. The verdict was delivered by a jury in Coconino County Superior Court in Flagstaff.
The harrowing details of Deshaun’s ordeal emerged in early March 2020 when authorities responded to a distress call at the boy’s family apartment. The scene revealed a horrific situation where Deshaun and his brother were subjected to extreme neglect and abuse. Unfortunately, Deshaun succumbed to his injuries, weighing only 18 pounds at the time of his death, a stark contrast to his weight of 34 pounds at four years old.
In addition to the murder charge, Martinez was also convicted of multiple counts of child abuse, kidnapping, and assault on law enforcement officers. The court records painted a grim picture of the circumstances surrounding Deshaun’s tragic end, shedding light on the severe malnourishment and mistreatment he endured during his short life.
Reports indicated that Deshaun and his brother were confined to a closet for up to 16 hours a day, highlighting the extreme conditions they were forced to endure. Despite claims from the parents that Deshaun’s malnourishment was due to a medical condition, evidence suggested a deliberate pattern of abuse that led to the young boy’s untimely death.
The sentencing phase is yet to come, with Martinez facing a possible life sentence for his heinous crimes. Meanwhile, Deshaun’s mother, Elizabeth Archibeque, has already been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after pleading guilty to charges related to her son’s death. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of reporting child abuse and neglect to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
If you suspect child abuse, do not hesitate to contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline for support and assistance. Your call could save a life and prevent further harm to innocent children.