Indiana – In a horrific Indiana case that has drawn national outrage, a 29-year-old father, identified as Franklin E., has now been sentenced to 65 years in prison for the killing of his 6-year-old son after admitting he fatally beat the child during what he and his 27-year-old wife, identified as Cheyenne E., tried to call “discipline.” His sentencing marks a major development in a tragedy that began with claims the little boy injured himself and ended with prosecutors exposing a long pattern of severe abuse.
Franklin, who pleaded guilty to murder in October, appeared in court for sentencing, where he asked the judge for leniency. According to reports, Franklin told the court, “I want to come out as a better man. Different man. That’s all I can do.” The judge rejected his plea for mercy, responding bluntly, “You literally beat your son to death.” Franklin received a total sentence of 65 years in prison—55 years plus a 10‑year enhancement for aggravating factors. The 6-year-old victim died from devastating injuries, including a traumatic brain bleed and punctured lung. He was rushed to the hospital after the couple called 911 on August 3, claiming he had suddenly become unresponsive. But medical staff immediately ruled the boy’s injuries were not self-inflicted.
Franklin and Cheyenne were arrested on August 8 on murder charges. At first, Franklin insisted his son “hit himself” and had behavioral problems. But the forensic evidence, witness statements, and digital proof painted a drastically different picture. Investigators determined that on the night of August 3, Franklin “attacked” his son in his playroom after the boy struggled during what the couple claimed was punishment for his behavior. Prosecutors later revealed that on the very day the young boy fatally collapsed, he had been forced by the couple to run for 3.5 miles over roughly 90 minutes, a grueling physical punishment used often in the home…