COCOA, Florida – Brevard County Sheriff’s Office deputies have arrested a 15–year-old boy for the death of his 21-month old sister, Riley Martin.
Members of the Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit took the teen into custody Monday evening after a court order was issued by a judge for his arrest, charging him with second degree murder. The teen was transported to the Juvenile Detention Center in Sharpes, Florida where he is being held without bond.
The investigation began during the early morning hours of Sunday, January 10, 2016, when deputies responded to a residence in Cocoa, Florida in response to a 911 call for an unresponsive infant. The toddler was transported to Wuesthoff Hospital in Rockledge, Florida where she was pronounced deceased. Emergency room doctors alerted deputies after they observed signs of trauma. Agents with the Homicide Unit responded and initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
An autopsy was conducted by the Brevard County Medical Examiner who concluded that the victim died as a result of blunt force trauma and determined the death a homicide. Investigators say that the teen intentionally struck his sister, causing the injuries that led to her death.
Anyone who may have information about this Homicide is asked to call Agent Nick Walker of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit at 321-633-8413 or CRIMELINE at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477). All calls to CRIMELINE are confidential and callers can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward.