Marlon Melendez, 30, of Washington, D.C., has been convicted of first-degree child abuse resulting in death, along with multiple other charges, and now faces a possible life sentence plus 65 years, according to the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office.
A Montgomery County jury found Melendez guilty on Thursday of abusing and killing his girlfriend’s 16-month-old son. The conviction includes charges of second-degree murder, first-degree child abuse, and second-degree child abuse.
The case began on March 11, 2023, when the child’s mother called 911 from her Silver Spring apartment, reporting that her son was not breathing. He was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy later revealed signs of abuse, including a previously broken femur.
Surveillance footage from a Silver Spring restaurant on March 9, 2023, captured Melendez mistreating the child while the boy’s mother briefly stepped away. The video reportedly shows Melendez pulling the child’s hair, scratching his temple, and rubbing lemon juice into his eyes, causing visible distress.
“This is an outrageously sad case involving the loss of a one-year-old baby,” said State’s Attorney John McCarthy. “We extend our deepest condolences to the victim’s family and commend law enforcement for their thorough investigation and commitment to justice.”
Melendez is scheduled for sentencing on June 13.
