4-year-old sent to 'boot camp' for 'sneaking candy' is beaten, whipped to death by godfather who had 'full permission' to discipline child: Police – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
Aurora, Colorado – A 24-year-old man now faces first-degree murder charges after authorities say he beat his 4-year-old godson to death during an intense disciplinary session the child’s mother had arranged. The boy had been left in the man’s care for what was described as a “boot camp” to address repeated behavioral problems, including sneaking candy. Officers responded to an apartment on East Tennessee Avenue late Saturday after the child stopped breathing and found extensive injuries across his body.
What Happened That Night
Patrol officers arrived at the residence around 10 p.m. and immediately noticed the boy had suffered severe trauma. Emergency crews transported him to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Investigators later recovered a belt with a broken prong on the kitchen counter near papers showing the child had been forced to practice writing numbers.
The suspect told police the boy was staying with him because he was “on punishment for being bad, disruptive and not listening.” He admitted the heaviest discipline occurred that Saturday, when he struck the child at least 21 times with the belt on bare skin. The boy eventually fell asleep on the living room couch but was unresponsive when checked later.
The Mother’s Role and Permission
According to investigators, the boy’s mother dropped him off intentionally so the suspect could run the boot camp. She described him as being like a brother and said she gave full permission to use the same methods she employed at home. Those methods included belt whippings, spankings, push-ups, planks and wall sits.
The mother told police the issues she wanted corrected involved lying, sneaking into her purse, not listening and occasionally taking candy. She had reportedly used similar physical discipline herself on a regular basis.
Extent of the Injuries
Medical personnel who examined the child expressed shock at the scale of the bruising, which covered him from head to toe. The suspect acknowledged forcing the boy to perform push-ups until he collapsed, an activity that likely caused the worst marks on his face and forearms. The child was left with significant injuries after the final session of discipline.
Responding officers and hospital staff documented the injuries in detail before the boy was declared dead. The Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office has not yet released the official cause and manner of death.
Current Status of the Case
Alexander Martinez-Armstrong was taken into custody over the weekend and remains held without bond at the Arapahoe County Detention Center. The investigation continues as detectives gather additional statements and evidence from the apartment.
Authorities have not indicated whether other individuals will face charges. The focus remains on determining exactly how the events unfolded inside the residence that Saturday night.
What matters now: The case highlights questions about parental consent for extreme discipline and the limits of adult authority over young children. Officials continue to review all statements and physical evidence.
