A pair of Las Vegas parents who pleaded guilty to starving and killing their 5-month-old baby have been sentenced to 10 to 25 years in prison.
Loreana Martinez, 30, and Anthony Oceja, 35, pleaded guilty in February 2018 to second-degree murder and child abuse resulting in significant physical or mental harm to their five-month-old baby, Hannibal Oceja.
On January 25, Loreana and Anthony were sentenced to 10 to 25 years in prison, with credit for time served. Anthony also pleaded guilty to animal cruelty.
While the disturbed mother agreed to a settlement, the father asked for a trial. After being found guilty by a jury, he agreed to the same deal as his wife.
Loreana Martinez, 30, (pictured) and Anthony Oceja, 35, pleaded guilty in February 2018 to second-degree murder and child abuse resulting in significant physical or mental harm to their five-month-old baby, Hannibal Oceja.
While the disturbed mother agreed to a settlement, the ‘son-loving’ father asked for a trial. After being found guilty by a jury, he agreed to the same deal as his wife
The young child died after suffering cardiac arrest at the family home.
At the time of his death, doctors discovered that Hannibal weighed less than when he was born, only six pounds, seven ounces.
A healthy baby his age is expected to weigh between 18 and 20 pounds.
Paramedics were shocked to see that the baby was so thin that his “bones were easily visible, his spinal cord looked like it was about to protrude from his skin and his ribcage was easily visible,” according to the arrest report. .
When photos of the child’s ribs and arms were shown during Anthony’s trial, one juror exclaimed, “Oh my God.”
A doctor told the jury that Hannibal was so dehydrated that they could not place an IV in his vein. They were forced to inject the needle into his bones instead of his muscles.
Paramedics were shocked to see that the baby was so thin that his “bones were easily visible, his spinal cord looked like it was about to protrude from his skin and his ribcage was easily visible,” according to the arrest report.
When photos of the child’s ribs and arms were shown during Anthony’s trial, one juror exclaimed, “Oh my God.”
The judges were also shown photos of their food-filled fridge and kitchen, as well as images of their messy home.
According to records, the couple also has a daughter and a son.
A pediatrician previously noted that the daughter was emaciated and determined that she was unable to thrive. The son was also found malnourished and dehydrated.
Police also said they found four dogs in their home that were in poor health because they were not getting enough to eat.
It has not yet been determined why the children and animals were malnourished. Doctors have not clarified whether Hannibal suffered from an illness or disability.
The judges were also shown photos of their food-filled fridge and kitchen
Cooked food was also seen on the stove by officials
During the trial, images of their messy home were presented to the jury
According to records, the couple also has a daughter and a son. A pediatrician previously noted that the daughter was emaciated and determined that she was unable to thrive. The son was also found malnourished and dehydrated.
Police also said they found four dogs in their home that were in poor health because they were not getting enough to eat
At yesterday’s sentencing, Anthony told Clark County District Court Judge Tierra Jones and the bench, “I went to trial to prove my innocence. You know, I love my kids. I miss my son every day. I mourn his death. I celebrate his birthday. It doesn’t matter what they say. I love my son.’
In addition to the prison sentence, Anthony has been ordered to pay restitution to Clark County Animal Control in more than $1,000.
Diana Jackson, Anthony’s sister, also told the court yesterday that she had adopted the other two children.
“Today’s children are happy and full of life from love and they would like to see him one day as much as the rest of us in a world where we can heal together as a whole. “We have suffered enough and we just want to one day be able to heal with him outside the walls of prison,” she said.
Diana requested that Anthony be sentenced in the same manner as Loreana.
Diana Jackson, Anthony’s sister, also told the court yesterday that she had adopted the other two children
In addition to the prison sentence, Anthony has been ordered to pay restitution to Clark County Animal Control in excess of $1,000
Loreana insisted on breastfeeding her son several times a day, for at least 45 minutes
Records show that Hannibal’s pediatrician, Shazia Kirmani, reportedly told Loreana during a checkup that her son was not thriving and that she needed to supplement her breast milk.
Records show that Hannibal’s pediatrician, Shazia Kirmani, reportedly told Loreana during a checkup that her son was not thriving and that she needed to supplement her breast milk.
According to the police report, she was asked to monitor her son’s weight and return in three weeks.
But Loreana was ‘belligerent’ and did not go back on her agreements, according to the report.
Loreana later denied that Kirmani had advised her to supplement her breastfeeding or planned any follow-up treatments, claiming that the doctor told her that Hannibal was “doing great.”
She insisted on breastfeeding her son several times a day, for at least 45 minutes.
Officials noted that the pediatrician had not alerted child protective services to suspected child abuse, which is a legal requirement for doctors across the country.
The parents will remain at the Clark County Detention Center from now on and will eventually be transferred to the Nevada Department of Corrections.