TUCSON, Ariz. — A Tucson man pleaded guilty on Monday to killing a 6-year-old child by holding them under a running bath faucet in 2019. He was charged with second-degree murder.
Pablo Martinez Jr., 37, admitted that he held the victim's face under the running water for five to 10 minutes while giving them a bath. The child inhaled water that was so hot it caused liquid thermal burns, resulting in their death, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona announced.
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: Hombre de Tucson se declara culpable de asesinar a un niño de 6 años en la tina del baño
The victim was a member of the Pascua Yaqui Indian Tribe and the investigation was handled by tribal police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Martinez's conviction carries a maximum penalty of up to life in prison, a fine of $250,000 and five years of supervised release.
He's set to be sentenced on July 5, 2024. The victim's identity was not disclosed. Officials did not specify the relationship between Martinez and the child.
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