LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – A Las Vegas couple has been sentenced to 10-25 years in prison for starving and ultimately causing the death of their five-month-old baby. Loreana Martinez, 30, and Anthony Oceja, 35, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and child abuse resulting in substantial bodily harm for their role in the tragic death of their infant, Hannibal Oceja, in February 2018.
The shocking case came to light when doctors discovered that Hannibal weighed less at the time of his death than when he was born, only six pounds, seven ounces. This horrific revelation shed light on the extent of neglect and abuse suffered by the innocent child.
During the trial, jurors were shown pictures of the infant’s ribs and arms, prompting one juror to exclaim, ‘Oh my God.’ Additionally, the couple’s other two children were found malnourished, dehydrated, and failing to thrive, adding to the gravity of the situation.
The severity of the neglect was evident as paramedics described the infant as being so thin that his bones and rib cage were visible, and he was dehydrated to the extent that doctors were unable to administer an IV in his vein, resorting to injecting the needle into his bones instead.
This heart-wrenching case also revealed that the couple’s home was filled with food, yet the children were found malnourished, raising questions about the baffling circumstances surrounding their neglect. Additionally, the discovery of four dogs in poor health from lack of feeding added another layer of distress to the tragic situation.
At their sentencing, Anthony expressed his love for his children, while Loreana insisted that she had been breastfeeding her son multiple times a day for extended periods.
The couple’s imprisonment and the adoption of their two other children bring a measure of closure to this harrowing story of neglect and abuse, but the lasting impact on the innocent lives affected remains a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and protection of vulnerable children.