A tragic case out of Wyoming has left a community shaken after a 4-month-old baby boy died following what authorities describe as severe abuse inside his own home.
Police say 23-year-old Juliette Martinez and 24-year-old Joseph Hanson are now facing charges of first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse. The charges come months after the infant was rushed to a hospital in critical condition on August 8, 2025.
According to investigators, the baby was first taken to a local hospital in Cheyenne after his parents noticed he was shaking and having trouble breathing. Medical staff quickly realized the situation was far more serious, and the child was airlifted to a specialized children’s hospital in Denver.
Doctors there discovered multiple fractures and life-threatening brain injuries consistent with physical abuse. Despite being placed on life support, the infant did not survive and was pronounced dead on September 8, 2025.
During the investigation, authorities uncovered troubling details. Phone records reportedly showed activity on the mother’s device during a time she claimed to be asleep, along with dozens of missing text messages. Investigators also found internet searches related to shaken baby syndrome and infant seizures around the same time the child began showing symptoms.
An autopsy later confirmed the child’s death as a homicide.
Both parents were arrested in April 2026 and remain in custody. Their next court appearance is scheduled for April 17 as the case continues to unfold.
