EL PASO COUNTY — A couple is facing murder charges in connection to the death of an 11-year-old boy back in March, according to the El Paso County Sheriff's Office.
The sheriff's office announced the arrest of 41-year-old Ryan Sabin and 42-year-old Tara Sabin, who are accused of killing Ryan Sabin's son, after they turned themselves in to authorities Tuesday.
An arrest affidavit acquired by News5 stated Zachary Sabin, Ryan Sabin's son with his previous wife, had to drink two bottles of water every day due to hereditary urology issues.
The document states on March 10, Zachary was "only taking sips and throwing up the water" and Ryan Sabin kept telling him to "chug the water." At one point, Zachary told his father he couldn't drink anymore and his legs hurt.
Ryan Sabin said Zachary was on the floor "throwing a fit" when he told him to get up and he kicked his leg. Zachary did not get up and Ryan Sabin "told him to get up or he would kick him harder."
Later on, Zachary fell asleep on the floor sitting up and slumped forward. The affidavit states Ryan Sabin told detectives he put his son to bed and found his body the next morning. He called 911 and reported he found Zachary in his bed with foam coming from his mouth and blood on his bed.
According to the arrest affidavit and coroner's report, Zachary's biological father, Ryan Sabin, and stepmother, Tara Sabin, knowingly forced the child to consume a large quantity of water without food, which caused water intoxication and ultimately led to the child's death. The affidavit went on to say that while this occurred, the child's siblings were present, witnessed his distress and eventually found him deceased.
The two face charges of First-Degree Murder, Child Abuse Resulting in Death, and six counts of Misdemeanor Child Abuse.
