Justice for Martin

Jan 15, 1991 – Jan 6, 2006
On January 5th, 2006, in good spirits, 14 year-old Martin Lee Anderson entered the Bay County Boot Camp. During the physical assessment portion of the enrollment procedure the child complained of trouble breathing and said he could not continue, after he collapsed during a run. Drill instructors at the boot camp, assumed Martin Lee Anderson was malingering and began to use force to gain compliance. Immediately and throughout the altercation, the 14 year-old was forced to inhale ammonia while his mouth was covered by the hands of the guards. At different times in the near 20 plus minutes this incident occurred, a nurse is sometimes visible, lazy observation of Martin Anderson's well being. As many as 6 of the boot camp staff, at one time, are seen striking, slamming, kneeing, or otherwise manhandling the child. By the end of this episode, Martin became unresponsive and was never heard from again. He had fallen into a profound coma, and was essentially brain dead. After complete system failure, and no possible scientific means to help him, he died at 1:52 am on January 6th after life support was removed.
The family honorably waited the results of the autopsy. During this time reports surfaced of a video of the incident. Soon, a handful of State leaders spoke out, having seen the footage, condemning the actions of those involved. The medical examiner for Bay County found Martin Lee Anderson died of natural causes. The families pain was felt around the country when the video was released. Citizens from across the state were outraged. Students from Tallahassee organized a coalition. The NAACP involvement propelled the issue.
State Attorney Mark Ober from the 13th district was assigned Special Prosecutor and the investigation began. There was a second autopsy performed with a different conclusion, homicide. The case sparked a debate in the medical commutiy, with many disagreeing with either medical examiner involved, depending on which article one read. Eventually there were charges filed and 8 boot camp employees were arrested for aggravated manslaughter of a child. A huge portion of Bay County opposed, making it unique in that regard to the rest of the state, and the country.
On October 12th a jury found all 8 defendants 'not guilty' on all charges. This included simple manslaughter, child abuse, and child neglect. The verdict shocked most people, even supporters of the drill instructors were surprised by a 'not guilty' with regard to the lessor offenses of abuse and neglect. This includes at least one of their attorneys.
At the current time, there is a federal investigation underway. The protests continue in hopes of keeping the search for justice alive. There is also an effort underway to discredit that investigation.
Below is the evidence in the case, it is lengthy, but is conclusive and speaks for itself. Please take the time to review it, and do so carefully.
Quick Links
What Happened - 10/17/07
Autopsies - 11/01/07
Court of Public Opinion - not available
Matter of Law - 10/03/07
Ammonia Facts - 10/03/07
Sickle Cell Trait and EHI - 10/10/07
Dr. Siebert 10/13/07
Dr. Adams
Dr. Andrews 11/26/07
Dr. Gravenstein 11/29/07
Dr. Downs 10/29/07
Dr. Steinberg 11/27/07
Dr. Eichner
Science for Suffocation - Must read 10/10/07
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Charles Helms Jr |
Henry Dickens |
Charles Enfinger |
Patrick Garrett |
Raymond Hauck |
Henry Mcfadden
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Joseph Walsh II
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Kristin Schmidt |








