Life Sentence and Convictions
Anthony Martinez, a 28-year-old man from northern Arizona, has been sentenced to life in prison for his role in the 2020 starvation death of his 6-year-old son, Deshaun Martinez. Martinez was convicted of first-degree murder, along with additional charges of child abuse and kidnapping related to the abuse of Deshaun and his older sibling. The Coconino County judge also imposed cumulative three-year prison sentences for two counts of aggravated assault, which can be served concurrently or credited against time served.
Court Proceedings and Statements
During the sentencing on Friday, Martinez chose not to speak but submitted a letter to his children, which was read aloud by his defense attorney. In the letter, Martinez apologized “for all the things I put you through.” Despite attempts to contact Martinez’s legal representative for further comments, no response was received.
Judge’s Remarks
Presiding Judge Ted Reed cited several aggravating factors in his decision, describing Martinez’s crimes as especially heinous and cruel. Judge Reed highlighted the breach of trust, as Martinez was the children’s father. He also acknowledged Martinez’s traumatic childhood and the fact that he had no prior felony convictions.
Details of the Crime
Authorities revealed that Deshaun Martinez and his older brother were subjected to severe punishment, including being locked in a tiny bedroom closet for up to 16 hours a day over a month. This punishment was reportedly for stealing food at night while their parents slept. At the time of his death, Deshaun weighed only 18 pounds (8.1 kilograms), far below the average weight for a child his age. The autopsy confirmed the manner of death as homicide.
Co-defendant’s Sentence
Deshaun’s mother, Elizabeth Archibeque, also faced charges in the case. She pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and child abuse and was sentenced in July 2023 to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
