On Jan. 7 of this year, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) responded to a medical emergency involving a three-month-old infant.
Upon arrival, deputies observed the victim’s father, 24-year-old Andrew Lynn Martin of Inverness, attempting to perform CPR.
Emergency Medical Services transported the victim to Citrus Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. Detective Brian Casalvieri, with the CCSO Major Crimes Unit (MCU) and Detective Bruce Arnold with the CCSO Special Victim’s Unit (SVU), responded and began a thorough investigation.
Early in the investigation, detectives were able to determine that Andrew Martin had been alone with the victim in the hours leading up to the infant’s death. As the investigation progressed, detectives conducted multiple interviews, consulted with the Medical Examiner’s Office, the Child Protection Team, and reviewed numerous medical records.
The Medical Examiner found injuries to the victim in various healing stages and determined that recent multiple blunt force injuries caused his death. The Child Protection Team examined the victim after his death, who confirmed that he had suffered numerous abusive injuries.
After receiving all the official medical documents and evidence about this case, Detective Casalvieri and Detective Arnold scheduled a follow-up interview with Andrew Martin. During this final interview on October 20, Martin made statements that detailed several instances where his actions would have resulted in the victim’s injuries.
Martin confirmed he had been in sole care and custody of the victim in the hours leading up to his death.
With Martin’s newly provided statements, coupled with the medical evidence, detectives arrested Martin for Aggravated Manslaughter, Child Abuse and Child Neglect. Martin was taken to the Citrus County Detention Facility and remained on a no-bond status.
“It is heartbreaking that this three-month-old’s life was so short and filled with such violence and abuse,” said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast.
“Our detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division never gave up and continued to seek the truth in this case. They were able to find justice for the innocent victim.”
It is vitally important for us all to remember, if you see something, say something. Child abuse can be reported by calling the Florida Department of Children and Families at 1-800-962-2873. If you suspect illegal activity is being committed in your community, call our office at 352-249-2790 to make a report or contact Citrus County Crime Stoppers at 1-888-ANY-TIPS to remain anonymous.