Randolph County, N.C. — A Randolph County jury has sentenced a man to death after finding him guilty of killing a 14-month-old boy in 2022. This marks the first death penalty conviction in the county in nearly 20 years.
Joel Vilchis Valdez Beltran, who was charged with first-degree murder, was convicted after evidence revealed the toddler died from severe head trauma. Doctors testified that the boy’s injuries were consistent with a violent blow, and an autopsy later confirmed additional fractures, including broken ribs and a collarbone.
Beltran, who had been dating the child’s mother and often helped care for her children, was arrested after the toddler was rushed to the hospital and later died.
Disturbing Evidence Uncovered
During the investigation, authorities found a graphic eight-minute video showing Beltran assaulting the toddler in an earlier incident. The footage, described by Assistant District Attorney Walt Jones as “hard to watch,” revealed the child hog-tied, punched, and choked. At one point, Beltran placed a plastic bag over the boy’s head.
Jurors were presented with this evidence, which played a significant role in the conviction.
Jury Chooses Death Penalty
The sentencing phase focused on whether Beltran should face life in prison without parole or the death penalty. Defense attorneys highlighted his troubled childhood, methamphetamine addiction, and the loss of close family members as mitigating factors.
However, the jury unanimously determined that these circumstances did not outweigh the brutality of the crime. After two hours of deliberation, Beltran was sentenced to death.
First Death Sentence in Randolph County Since 2006
Court records show that this is the first death penalty case to reach a conviction in Randolph County since 2006. The last time prosecutors pursued capital punishment was in 2016, though that case did not result in a death sentence.
This ruling underscores how rarely death penalty cases are pursued—and successfully carried out—in the county.
Key Takeaways
- Joel Vilchis Valdez Beltran sentenced to death for the murder of a 14-month-old boy.
- Evidence included a disturbing video of child abuse.
- Jury rejected defense claims of mitigating factors.
- First death penalty conviction in Randolph County since 2006.