OKC Man Faces Murder Charge After Abused Baby Dies

An Oklahoma City man accused of abusing his 3-month-old baby, is now facing a murder charge after the child died from her injuries.

According to police, at about 5:42 p.m. on Thursday, September 29, officers learned that a three-month-old baby was critically injured and taken to an area hospital.

The child, Jhanelle Martinez, displayed signs of extreme physical abuse, police said. She was flown to a Tulsa hospital, where she later passed away from her injuries over the weekend.

The child’s father, 22-year-old Kentrell Thomas, was first arrested on complaints of child neglect and child abuse. After the child died, his booking complaint has since been amended to reflect the charge of first-degree murder. 

This is Oklahoma City's 59th homicide of 2016, according to police.