Elizabeth Archibeque, an Arizona mother who was accused of letting her son die of malnutrition, pleaded guilty to murder and child abuse charges and settled with prosecutors this month, according to a report in the Arizona newspaper. Daily Sun published this Saturday.
The event occurred in 2020. Archibeque’s son was identified as Deshaun Martínez, a 6-year-old boy who was locked in a closet and deprived of food.
At the time of his death, Deshaun Martínez weighed only 18 pounds (equivalent to 8 kilos), a weight well below the common average for that age, according to autopsy reports.
This same report noted that Deshaun had brittle hair, deep-set eyes, and almost no body fat. He also showed abrasions and bruises on his body.
Deshaun Martinez’s father, Anthony Martinez, was also charged with murder, as was his grandmother, Ann Martinez. The cases are being processed separately.
Both Elizabeth Archibeque and Anthony Martinez were charged with first degree murder, kidnapping and child abuse. Ann Martinez, the victim’s grandmother, was also indicted on the same charges.
A previous report by El Diario de Nueva York indicated that the parents initially attributed Deshaun Martinez’s malnourished state to a medical condition, as well as the fact that he was “on diet pills” and caffeine.
Anthony Martínez, Deshaun’s father, also indicated in 2020 that the family was in a difficult financial situation, and that they expected financial aid to buy food for the minor.
At the time of the event, three surviving brothers of Deshaun Martínez, ages 2, 4 and 7, were guarded by the Arizona Department of Child Safety, according to information reviewed by AZ Central.
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