A child’s life has been cut short and his parents are to blame.
An Arizona mother has pleaded guilty to murder and child abuse charges stemming from the death of her 6-year-old son who had not only been locked in a closet but also denied food.
An autopsy found the boy, Deshaun Martinez, died of starvation back in March 2020. Authorities said the little boy had only weighed just 18 pounds which of course is well below average for his age.
The boy’s parents initially claimed that their son had a medical condition as the reason for their son’s malnourished state. Eventually, they fessed up to the police that they kept Deshaun and his older brother in a closet for 16 hours a day. To make matters worse, they only gave them little to eat. Police explained that the boys’ confinement was harsh punishment for stealing food while the parents slept. Deshaun Martinez couldn’t bare the lack of nourishment and sadly died.
A 4-year-old and 2-year-old — were also found at the home, but were not malnourished. However, Deshaun’s 7-year-old brother survived and was brought to the Flagstaff Medical Center and placed in the Department of Child Safety’s custody with the two younger children, NBC News reported at the time.
What’s even more sad is that back in February 2013, the parents were suspected of abuse in the past. The DCS received a report of two different allegations of abuse toward one of the siblings, but both were unsubstantiated, DCS said in a statement to PEOPLE back in 2020. As a result, the case was closed when voluntary in-home services were completed in July of 2013.
“DCS mourns the tragic loss of this innocent life. We can confirm the child’s siblings are currently in DCS care and are receiving the care and services necessary to help them during this difficult time,” the DCS said of the incident three years ago.
“Keeping children safe is the Department’s top priority. However, DCS cannot investigate child abuse and neglect unless we receive a report from the community,” the statement read.
According to an updated report by the Arizona Sub Daily Times, Miss Elizabeth Archibeque
was charged along with the boy’s father, Anthony Martinez, and grandmother, Ann Martinez. The cases were being tried separately. Elizabeth reached a plea agreement with prosecutors this month.
Elizabeth will not be eligible for probation and if she is sentenced to life in prison, she will also not be eligible for parole or work release, per terms of her agreement, the Arizona Daily Sun noted.
RELATED: UPDATE: Virginia Mom Charged For Making Loaded Gun Threat During School Board Meeting
starve these POS & KEEP THEM LOCKED IN A CLOSET OHH THATS RIGHT THEY WILL be locked in a cage 24@7