A man sentenced to 65 years in prison for killing his six-year-old son had initially lied to cover up the murder. Franklin Elmore Jr., 29, received the harsh sentence after being found guilty of fatally injuring his son. Despite his plea for leniency, the judge rebuked him, stating, “You literally beat your son to death.”
Initially, Elmore tried to shift blame by claiming that his son, Justin Elmore, had caused his own fatal injuries. However, the lies quickly unraveled, leading to murder charges against both him and his wife, Cheyenne Elmore, 27. Cheyenne, who initially pleaded not guilty, later changed her plea to guilty and is awaiting sentencing on January 13.
The tragic incident occurred on August 3, 2025, when the Elmores, from Louisiana, called 911 to report Justin as “unresponsive.” Subsequent medical examination revealed severe injuries, including a traumatic brain bleed and a punctured lung, indicating foul play.
Medical staff disputed Elmore’s claims that Justin’s injuries were self-inflicted, ultimately leading to the couple’s arrest on August 8. Further investigation uncovered disturbing details of the abuse Justin endured, including intense physical punishments witnessed by neighbors.
Prosecutors revealed that Justin was forced to run 3.5 miles by his father and stepmother before being fatally beaten in his playroom on the day of his hospitalization. Elmore, who entered a plea agreement with prosecutors before the trial, admitted to the crime during a hearing, acknowledging his actions were not consistent with normal parenting.
Justin’s biological mother, Miranda McBride, expressed satisfaction with Elmore’s sentencing, stating she had hoped for a harsher penalty. Elmore received a 55-year sentence, with an additional 10 years for aggravated crimes. Cheyenne’s sentencing is scheduled for this month.