A Colorado man is facing homicide charges after allegedly killing his 4-year-old godson during a disciplinary “boot camp.”
The Incident
Alexander Martinez-Armstrong, 24, reportedly beat his godson with a belt on Saturday night at an apartment on East Tennessee Avenue. Officers found the child unconscious and not breathing around 10 p.m. The boy was rushed to a hospital and later pronounced dead.
Investigation Findings
Medical personnel observed extensive bruising covering the child’s body. Investigators found a belt with a broken prong and papers with childlike handwriting, indicating the boy had been forced to practice numbers. Martinez-Armstrong admitted to striking the boy’s bare skin at least 21 times and forcing him to perform push-ups and other exercises until collapse.
Family Context
The child’s mother reportedly gave Martinez-Armstrong full permission to discipline the boy for behavioral issues, including lying, sneaking candy, and not listening. She described him as “like a brother.”
Charges and Legal Status
Martinez-Armstrong has been charged with first-degree murder and is being held without bond at the Arapahoe County Detention Center. The Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office is finalizing the official cause and manner of death.
