When was this published?

This article was first published on July 24, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.

Who reported this story?

This story was reported by Ana Maria Soler at CBS4 Miami.

Where can I find related coverage?

See more safety coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs.

safety

Miami-Dade father accused of beating his 4-year-old son with autism for 25 minutes straight, officials say

Summary by The Miami Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Ana Maria Soler, CBS4 Miami · July 24, 2026 · 2 min read

A Homestead father was arrested Thursday night for allegedly beating his 4-year-old son with autism for 25 minutes straight, according to arrest reports. David Martinez Jr., 31, was charged with child abuse after an incident on Thursday afternoon at the family's home. According to the victim's mothe

Why this matters in The Miami

The disturbing allegations against David Martinez Jr. raise concerns about the safety and well-being of vulnerable children in Miami-Dade County, particularly those with autism and other special needs. The fact that indoor surveillance cameras were installed in the family's home for the child's safety suggests that there may have been previous concerns about the child's welfare. This incident highlights the need for increased support and resources for families of children with autism and other special needs in Miami-Dade County. The county's social services and law enforcement agencies must work together to ensure that these children are protected from abuse and neglect. The visible injuries sustained by the 4-year-old victim, including abrasions and red marks on his upper thighs, are a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of child abuse. As the case against Martinez Jr. moves forward, it is crucial that the community remains vigilant and supportive of efforts to prevent child abuse and ensure the safety of all children in Miami-Dade County.

About this story

Original reporting by CBS4 Miami. The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page.

For the complete original report, visit CBS4 Miami. Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom.

Category: safety · Published: July 24, 2026 · Source: CBS4 Miami · Reading time: 2 min

Summary created by	The Miami Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed
Original reporting	Ana Maria Soler, CBS4 Miami
Original story	Read at the source
Source published	Jul 24, 2026
AI assistance	Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text
Prepublication human review	No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples

Miami-Dade father accused of beating his 4-year-old son with autism for 25 minutes straight, officials say

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Miami-Dade father accused of beating his 4-year-old son with autism for 25 minutes straight, officials say

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