6-Year-Old Dies From Malnutrition After Family Locks Him Inside Closet Everyday For Weeks

Three members of a family were arrested following the death of a six-year-old boy who was locked inside a closet for several hours for about a month. The incident took place at Flagstaff, Arizona, on Monday.

On Tuesday, police said the boy’s parents and grandmother, identified as 23-year-old Anthony Martinez, 26-year-old Elizabeth Archibeque Martinez, and 50-year-old Ann Marie Martinez, were arrested on suspicion of murder.

The police received a 911 call and when they reached the family's home in Flagstaff, they found the boy unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at the scene. He had suffered from malnourishment. His parents told Flagstaff police that the boy and his seven-year-old brother were being locked inside a closet as the boys would steal food at night when others were asleep.

According to court documents, the boys were locked inside the closet for up to 16 hours from around 8 p.m. to noon the following day and their meals only consisted of oatmeal and a cheese sandwich. They weren’t given any food after 4 p.m.

Darren DaRonco, a spokesperson from the Arizona Department of Child Safety stated that the department personnel had taken custody of the boy’s three surviving siblings aged 2, 4, and 7 and were receiving proper care and services.

Police said the victim was malnourished and that his appearance didn’t match his age. However, there were no obvious signs of physical trauma to the child. The case was still under investigation as the police were awaiting autopsy reports.

The three accused were charged with two counts of child abuse. Anthony also faces charges for resisting arrest. They were being held at the Coconino County jail.

They were not accompanied by a lawyer during their initial court appearance on Tuesday in Flagstaff Justice Court. Their next court appearance was scheduled for March 12.