A heartbreaking case out of Wyoming is raising disturbing questions after a 4-month-old baby died—and investigators uncovered chilling internet searches and missing messages on his mother’s phone.
A young couple is now facing first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse charges following the death of their infant son, in a case that has shocked the community and drawn national attention. Details first reported by local outlets and police documents reveal a timeline filled with inconsistencies, digital clues, and devastating medical findings.
Authorities say Juliette Martinez, 23, and Joseph Hanson, 24, brought their 4-month-old baby boy to a hospital in Cheyenne, Wyoming, on August 8, 2025, after noticing alarming symptoms. According to their statements, the child’s breathing appeared abnormal, and he was shaking—signs that prompted them to seek medical care.
Doctors quickly determined the situation was critical.
The infant was transferred to a specialized children’s hospital in Denver, where tests revealed extensive injuries, including fractures and severe brain trauma. Medical professionals concluded the injuries were consistent with physical abuse, and the baby was placed on life support. Despite efforts to save him, he died one month later.
An autopsy later ruled the death a homicide, triggering a deeper investigation into what happened inside the home.
As detectives began piecing together the timeline, they uncovered troubling discrepancies—particularly involving the mother’s account. Martinez told investigators she had been asleep for much of the morning before discovering her son’s condition. However, a forensic review of her phone told a different story.
According to investigators, Martinez’s phone showed activity on social media apps during the time she claimed to be asleep. Even more concerning, police say there were 58 missing text messages from her phone during a critical window that morning.
But it was the internet search history that raised the most alarm.
Authorities say the phone contained searches such as “Shaken baby syndrome symptoms,” “Shaken baby syndromes symptoms go away,” and “Signs father gave baby shaken baby syndrome.” These searches were reportedly made around the same time the parents said they noticed their child in distress.
Investigators also learned more about the household dynamics. Hanson reportedly told medical staff that Martinez had feelings of “resentment” related to the child, who had a twin and an older sibling. On the morning in question, Hanson said he had been caring for the baby overnight before leaving for work, placing the child in Martinez’s care.
Martinez, in turn, told police she recorded a video of the baby’s condition and sent it to a relative, who urged them to go to the hospital.
Still, the combination of medical evidence, digital activity, and conflicting statements led authorities to conclude that the child’s injuries were not accidental.
Both parents were arrested in April 2026 and are currently being held in the Laramie County Detention Center. They have since appeared in court and are expected to face further proceedings.
As the case moves forward, it underscores the growing role of digital evidence in criminal investigations—and leaves a community grappling with the tragic loss of a child whose life ended far too soon.
