Mother Who Left Children for Dead Gets Decades Behind Bars

(BrightPress.org) – A 24-year-old Bronx mom received a lengthy prison sentence after killing her young son and leaving her daughter for dead.

Shanice Martin, previously from Seward Avenue in the Castle Hill neighborhood, will serve 30 years to life for the horrific crimes. Martin attacked her 6-year-old son, Tyzavier Martin, with a box cutter on June 22nd. After a struggle, she slit his throat and then turned the blade on her 2-year-old daughter, leaving them both on the sidewalk to bleed out.

The gravely injured children were left on the pavement by Martin, where they lay in pools of blood. Afterward, she traveled by foot to the 42nd Precinct station house, covered in blood, blade still in hand, and confessed to her actions. She told authorities to arrest her.

Martin, who was homeless and had a history of mental health issues and child abuse, faced numerous charges. Authorities took her to Lincoln Medical Center for a psychiatric evaluation. Meanwhile, the children were rushed to New York-Presbyterian Hospital for treatment and were eventually released.

Nearly two months later, Tyzavier collapsed in the cafeteria of PS/MS 5 in Port Morris while waiting in line for pizza. Witnesses described blood and foam pouring from his mouth. The city medical examiner ruled his death a homicide, citing asphyxia due to airway obstruction from a laryngeal granuloma that complicated the neck wound.

Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark described Martin’s actions as an inexcusable act of cruelty. She highlighted the enduring trauma faced by Martin’s surviving daughter. The case led to charges of second-degree murder and second-degree attempted murder. Late last month, a jury found Martin guilty on both counts.

On June 26th, Bronx Supreme Court Justice Laurence Busching handed down consecutive sentences: 20 years to life for the murder charge and an additional 10 years for the attempted murder.

This tragic case underscores the severe consequences of mental health issues and child abuse, leaving a community shaken and a family forever changed.