A tragic case in Colorado has shocked the community after a 24-year-old man allegedly beat his 4-year-old godson to death during what he called a “boot-camp” to correct the child’s behavior. Authorities say the child suffered severe injuries over several days of punishment.
Colorado Man Faces Murder and Child Abuse Charges
Alexander Martinez-Armstrong, 24, is now facing first-degree murder and child abuse charges after the child died from his injuries. Police were called to Martinez-Armstrong’s apartment in Aurora, Colorado, around 10 p.m. on May 16 after receiving a report about a young boy who was unconscious and not breathing.
Officers found the boy covered in bruises “from head to toe,” including black and blue marks on his face in different stages of healing. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but later died. Investigators also found a belt with a broken prong near the child’s schoolwork, which they believe may have been used to hit him.
Boot-Camp Discipline Led to Tragic Outcome
The boy’s mother told police that Martinez-Armstrong was “like a brother” to her and had been asked to help correct her son’s behavior. She said the child had been lying, sneaking candy, taking items from her purse, and not listening to instructions.
According to police, Martinez-Armstrong admitted to hitting the boy during the “boot-camp.” He said the mother gave him permission to use the same discipline she used at home, including belt whippings, spankings, push-ups, planks, and wall sits.
Martinez-Armstrong reportedly explained that the child suffered bruises on his face, arms, and buttocks from push-ups, wall sits, and belt strikes. He also admitted to spanking the child when he “messed up” his schoolwork.
Day of the Boy’s Death
Two days before the boy’s death, Martinez-Armstrong said he began using the belt as a main form of discipline. On the day of the incident, the boy allegedly received 21 strikes for making mistakes seven times. The last whipping happened around 9:30 p.m. before dinner.
The child ate only a bite of food, put his head on the table, and appeared sleepy. Martinez-Armstrong reportedly put him on the couch with a blanket. About 20 minutes later, the child was found unresponsive, and 911 was called.
Martinez-Armstrong’s girlfriend allegedly witnessed some of the punishments but thought the child was fine after dinner. The boy’s mother also admitted she regularly used physical punishments, including belts and spankings, and encouraged other men in the child’s life to discipline him similarly. She said she never believed Martinez-Armstrong would seriously harm her son.
Next Steps in the Case
Martinez-Armstrong is being held at Arapahoe County Jail. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 17. It is unclear if he has an attorney at this time.
This heartbreaking incident highlights the dangers of extreme discipline methods and the need for safe, age-appropriate ways to guide children. Families are reminded that physical punishments can cause serious injury or even death.
