A Cuban man living in Miami-Dade has been charged with aggravated child abuse after he allegedly inflicted severe violence on his three children, aged two, five, and eight. Authorities report that one of the children suffered a "traumatic brain injury" as a result of the attack.
The Miami-Dade Police Department identified the suspect as Brice Martínez, who was arrested after assaulting his children and barricading himself in his apartment located at a condominium on Southwest 20 Street and SW 122nd Avenue in Tamiami. The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon. According to the arrest report, Martínez is 33 years old and originally from Cuba.
Officers from the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office (MDSO) Middle District responded to a domestic violence call at the location. As stated in the arrest declaration, Martínez was looking after his three children when he allegedly became angry with the five-year-old and smashed his head against the wall three times. This resulted in a head injury requiring five staples and a frontal hematoma, according to local media reports.
The violence continued as Martínez reportedly threw the two-year-old onto the concrete floor and struck his back. When the eight-year-old attempted to protect his siblings, Martínez became enraged and punched him in the face, causing a contusion, according to police statements.
Rescue teams transported the most seriously injured child to Kendall Regional Hospital for treatment, where he was reported to be in stable condition. The other two children were evaluated by paramedics on the scene and later placed in their mother’s custody.
After the five-year-old was taken to the hospital, Martínez barricaded himself inside the apartment and refused to come out. Following a significant police presence and approximately three hours of negotiation, officers from the MDSO Special Response Team (SRT) entered the building. Martínez eventually exited the apartment and surrendered to the authorities.
Martínez is facing charges of child abuse. During his court appearance on Sunday, Judge Mindy Glazer denied him bail. He remains in custody at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center (TGK) in Miami and is scheduled to return to court on Monday.
Understanding the Child Abuse Case in Miami-Dade
What charges is Brice Martínez facing?
Brice Martínez is facing charges of aggravated child abuse for allegedly assaulting his three children, resulting in severe injuries.
What injuries did the children sustain?
The five-year-old suffered a head injury requiring staples and a frontal hematoma, the two-year-old was thrown on a concrete floor and hit on the back, and the eight-year-old sustained a facial contusion.
Where is Brice Martínez being held?
Brice Martínez is currently held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center (TGK) in Miami.