Miami Stepfather and Marine Veteran Accused of Torturing 6-Year-Old Boy in Shocking Abuse Case
MIAMI — A 42-year-old Miami man and former U.S. Marine is facing serious felony charges after prosecutors say he abused and tortured his 6-year-old stepson over the course of two days. The case has shocked the community, with graphic surveillance footage and court records revealing disturbing details of the alleged abuse.
Zachary Perez, a military veteran who served three tours in Iraq, was arrested earlier this year after investigators reviewed home surveillance videos showing him assaulting the young child. One clip, obtained exclusively by NBC6, shows Perez wearing black and holding a pink dog leash wrapped around the boy’s neck. Another video reportedly shows the child running outside the home with a backpack filled with rocks.
Evidence of Physical Abuse
Court documents describe multiple incidents of violence captured on video, including Perez kicking the child in the living room and inside a bedroom. The 6-year-old was left with swollen eyes, scratches across his body, a rash on his neck, and welts from being struck with a tree branch, according to police reports.
Investigators say the abuse occurred over a span of two days, during which time the child was subjected to repeated physical punishment and emotional trauma.
Pattern of Abuse Alleged
Following Perez’s arrest, the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office confirmed that multiple individuals have contacted prosecutors, alleging they were also abused by Perez in prior relationships. At least five separate injunctions for protection have been filed against him in past years, including one involving his own 14-year-old daughter.
“This is a ticking time bomb,” said Assistant State Attorney Lily Wisset during a court hearing earlier this year, emphasizing the severity of the case and Perez’s history of alleged violence.
Defense and Mental Health History
Perez’s attorneys argued in court that the child’s mother had previously asked Perez to help care for the child and had consented to “disciplining” him. Prosecutors strongly pushed back, stating that the evidence did not support any claim of justified discipline, and that the abuse was severe and deliberate.
Perez’s mother, Barbara Perez, has spoken publicly in his defense, stating that her son suffers from PTSD, hearing loss, and underwent multiple surgeries after serving overseas. She attributes some of his behavior to his unresolved mental health issues following his military service.
Child Advocacy Group Weighs In
Amanda Altman, CEO of Kristi House, a children’s advocacy center in Miami, told NBC6 the child likely suffered not only physical injuries, but also deep psychological and emotional trauma.
“This is horrific abuse,” Altman said. “And we must also consider the potential trauma in the perpetrator’s own life. What intervention never happened for him?”
Altman added that cases like these often point to cycles of untreated trauma and highlight the urgent need for prevention, mental health services, and accountability.
Current Status and Legal Proceedings
Zachary Perez has pleaded not guilty to the charges. He has been placed on house arrest and has been ordered to undergo mental health treatment. A judge also ordered him to have no contact with the child or the child’s mother as he awaits trial.
Prosecutors are continuing their investigation and have not ruled out additional charges as more victims come forward.
📞 If You Suspect Child Abuse
To report suspected child abuse in Miami-Dade or access help, contact Kristi House or the Florida Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873.
📎 Sources:
People – “Stepdad Accused of Torturing Boy, 6, with Dog Collar and Rock‑Filled Backpack”
https://www.people.com/stepdad-accused-of-torturing-boy-with-dog-collar-rock-backpack-11774207NBC Miami (NBC6) – “Stepdad tortured 6‑year‑old with dog collar and backpack full of rocks: Prosecutors”
https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/stepdad-tortured-6-year-old-with-dog-collar-and-backpack-full-of-rocks-prosecutors/3659665/The Independent – “Iraq vet tortured 6‑year‑old boy with dog collar and filmed him carrying a backpack filled with rocks, prosecutors say”
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/iraq-veteran-torture-stepson-dog-collar-rocks-b2790848.html
