Arizona parents, grandmother set for trial in murder case of starved 6-year-old

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (KNXV/AP) -- A trial date has been set for the parents and grandmother of a 6-year-old boy who died after being locked in a closet and denied food.

The parents, Elizabeth Archibeque and Anthony Martinez, and the grandmother, Ann Martinez, have pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, kidnapping and child abuse.

In March 2020, Flagstaff police officers were called to the home after receiving reports of a 6-year-old boy who was unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police say the 6-year-old appeared malnourished and his physical appearance did not match his age. The parents admitted that the boy and his 7-year-old brother were kept in a closet because they would sneak out at night and steal food.

The grandmother of the children also admitted to knowing about the conditions and admitted to disciplining the kids when they stole food.

All three are scheduled to go on trial in August 2022.

The Arizona Daily Sun reports the grandmother told officers the boy had “gotten into” some caffeine or diet pills a few weeks ago when asked about his weight. The father and mother also alleged the boy had eaten a weight loss pill a few weeks ago, records show.