Three arrested after Arizona boy kept in closet dies

Parents, grandmother arrested for murder and abuse

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Police have arrested three family members in connection to the death of a six-year-old boy trapped in a closet for a month.

The boy was was confined along with his seven-year-old brother.

On Monday Flagstaff police responded to a report of an unresponsive six-year-old boy. Despite live-saving efforts, Firefighters pronounced the boy dead at the scene.

The boy's parents identified as Anthony Jose Archibeque-Martinez, 23, and Elizabeth Archibeque-Martinez, 26, admitted the two boys were kept in the bedroom closet, and even denied food at times.

Police said the boys were malnourished, but there were no visible signs of trauma.

The boy's grandmother, Ann Marie Martinez, 50, also admitted to knowing of the boy's condition.

Parents said they punished their boys in this way for stealing food and sneaking out at night.

Both parents and grandmother have been arrested on suspicion of murder and child abuse, reports The Associated Press.

They are being held at the Coconino County Jail on a $3 million cash-only bond each.

Court documents say the two boys were put in the bedroom closet at 8 p.m. and had to stay there until noon the following day.

Meals usually consisted of oatmeal, cheese sandwiches, and nothing else after 4 p.m.

The Department of Child Saftey (DPS) had responded to a prior report of abuse by the parents in 2013, but allegations at the time were unsubstantiated.

The next court appearances are scheduled for March 12.