Inmate who spent 27 years in jail for killing baby freed after tests show she may have died of pneumonia
A Colorado man who spent nearly three decades in prison for the death of an infant has been released after prosecutors concluded they could no longer prove he caused the child’s death.
Stephen Martinez was convicted in connection with the 1998 death of 4-month-old Heather Mares at a home in Denver. He had told investigators at the time that he shook the baby and struck her head against a crib, and in 2000 he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for first-degree murder.
In recent proceedings, however, Martinez’s legal team presented medical evidence suggesting the child’s death may have resulted from complications related to pneumonia rather than abuse. They argued that symptoms such as brain swelling and bleeding had been misinterpreted as signs of shaken baby syndrome.
On Tuesday, a judge threw out the conviction after prosecutors acknowledged they could not meet the standard of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The decision prompted an emotional reaction in the courtroom, where Heather’s mother, Kim Estrada, continued to insist Martinez was responsible.
After his release from the Denver Reception and Diagnostic Center, Martinez—who lost part of his leg while incarcerated—left in a wheelchair to cheers from supporters. He was greeted by his wife, whom he married during his time in prison.
Speaking afterward, Martinez expressed relief at gaining his freedom after 27 years, while also noting he now faces starting over with very little.
The case dates back to a 1998 emergency call Martinez made, reporting that the infant was choking. First responders found the child suffering from a severe brain injury, and investigators later cited evidence including blood-stained bedding. Martinez admitted to handling the baby roughly but said he did not intend to harm her.
His attorneys now argue that all of the child’s medical complications can be traced to pneumonia. Prosecutors said that after reviewing updated expert analysis, they were no longer confident they could prove the original theory of abuse in court.
Despite the ruling, Heather’s parents remain convinced Martinez caused their daughter’s death. Both have spoken out against the decision, questioning how an illness could account for the injuries described at the time.
The presiding judge acknowledged the family’s loss while issuing the ruling, calling it a painful and difficult decision.
The case was reexamined with the help of the Korey Wise Innocence Project, which works on wrongful conviction claims in Colorado. According to the district attorney’s office, independent medical experts raised significant doubts about the original conclusions in the case.
Prosecutors emphasized that the dismissal does not reflect wrongdoing by those involved in the initial investigation, but rather a reassessment based on new information. Martinez’s attorney described the situation as a tragedy affecting everyone involved, maintaining that he lost decades of his life for a crime he did not commit while also recognizing the ongoing grief of the child’s family.
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