Goshen, IN – Franklin Elmore Jr. received a 65-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to the murder of his 6-year-old son, Justin. The sentence was issued by the court during a hearing on Tuesday.
Elmore expressed a desire to become a better person after serving time. He told the judge, “I want to come out as a better man. Different man. That’s all I can do.”
The judge responded, stating, “You literally beat your son to death.” Elmore and his wife, Cheyenne Elmore, were charged with murder following the boy’s death on August 3.
On that night, the Elmores called 911 to report Justin as “unresponsive.” He was taken to a hospital where it was determined he suffered a traumatic brain bleed and a punctured lung.
Franklin Elmore claimed Justin had behavioral issues and “hit himself.” Medical staff later disputed this, stating the injuries were not self-inflicted. Justin died in the hospital, leading to the couple’s arrest on August 8.
Neighbors reported witnessing Justin undergoing harsh punishments. These included intense physical exercises such as running for 3.5 miles shortly before the fatal incident.
Miranda McBride, Justin’s birth mother, had previously attempted to alert Indiana authorities about her son’s treatment, reporting that she was advised there was insufficient evidence for intervention.
After the sentencing, McBride expressed partial satisfaction with the ruling, noting that she hoped for a harsher penalty. “Death row would be great,” she stated.
Franklin Elmore received a 55-year sentence plus an additional 10 years for aggravated crimes. Cheyenne Elmore, who initially pleaded not guilty, is scheduled for sentencing on January 13, 2026 following a change in plea to guilty.