FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — An Arizona man has received a life sentence without the possibility of parole for the 2020 death of his son, whom he starved and harshly punished. Anthony Martinez, 28, was handed his sentence on Friday by a Coconino County judge for the first-degree murder of his 6-year-old son, Deshaun Martinez.
During the trial, the court heard heart-wrenching details of how Deshaun and his older sibling were subjected to extreme neglect and abuse. Besides the life term for murder, Martinez also received additional sentences for kidnapping and child abuse, which relate to the treatment of both children.
Martinez chose not to make a statement during the sentencing; however, a letter he wrote to his children was read by his defense attorney. In the letter, Martinez expressed remorse, apologizing for the pain he caused.
Despite Martinez’s apology, the nature of the crimes led Judge Ted Reed to describe the acts as particularly vile and brutal, emphasizing the breach of trust involved, given Martinez’s role as the father.
While sentencing, the judge also acknowledged Martinez’s challenging upbringing and his lack of prior felony convictions. Yet, the severity of the offenses overshadowed these factors.
The devastating conditions endured by Deshaun came to light following his death in March 2020. The young boy was reportedly confined to a small closet for 16 hours daily for over a month as a punitive measure for taking food at night. His brother was subjected to similar treatment.
At the time of his death, an autopsy revealed that Deshaun weighed only 18 pounds — dramatically below the norm for a child of his age. The autopsy confirmed the cause of death as homicide.
In a related case, the boy’s mother, Elizabeth Archibeque, also faced the courts. She pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and child abuse earlier this year. In July, she received a life sentence without the possibility of parole, mirroring the sentence handed to Martinez.
The tragic tale of Deshaun Martinez highlights severe breaches in parental care and has triggered discussions about measures to better detect and prevent child abuse. The local community and authorities continue to grapple with the shock and sorrow emanating from such harsh realities faced by vulnerable children. Further, this case has reinforced the imperative for vigilance and robust protective measures for children, ensuring early intervention in potential abuse scenarios.