In a recent court proceeding in Flagstaff, Arizona, Anthony Martinez, 28, has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for his role in the tragic 2020 starvation death of his 6-year-old son. The sentencing also included additional prison terms for child abuse and kidnapping related to the mistreatment of the deceased child and an older sibling.

During the hearing, Martinez opted not to speak but conveyed his apologies to his children through a letter read aloud by his defence attorney. Judge Ted Reed, presiding over the case, cited aggravating circumstances, emphasizing the severity and cruelty of the crimes, particularly noting Martinez's betrayal of trust as a parent. Despite Martinezs difficult upbringing and lack of prior felony convictions, the judge upheld the gravity of the offences.

The tragic incident involved the boy, Deshaun Martinez, being confined in a small closet for extended periods as punishment, resulting in his death. Autopsy findings revealed the child's severe malnutrition, weighing only 18 pounds at the time of death, significantly below the average weight for his age. The cause of death was determined to be homicide.

Martinezs sentencing follows the earlier conviction and sentencing of Elizabeth Archibeque, the boys mother, who pleaded guilty to similar charges and received a life sentence without parole in July 2023.