An Indiana man received a 65-year prison sentence after admitting guilt in the tragic death of his 6-year-old son.

Franklin Elmore Jr., aged 29, faced the court after pleading guilty to murder last month. During the sentencing on Tuesday, Elmore sought mercy from the judge, expressing a desire to transform himself while serving his sentence, as reported by local NBC affiliate WNDU. He reportedly stated, “I want to come out as a better man. Different man. That’s all I can do.”

The judge remained unswayed, responding, “You literally beat your son to death.”

Previously covered by Law&Crime, both Franklin Elmore and his wife, Cheyenne Elmore, 27, faced murder charges following the death of Franklin’s son, Justin. Cheyenne was Justin’s stepmother. On August 3, the Elmores dialed 911, claiming Justin was “unresponsive” after an “attack” by his father in the playroom. The boy was rushed to the hospital suffering from a severe brain bleed and punctured lung.

Franklin Elmore suggested his son had behavioral issues and “hit himself,” but medical professionals doubted the injuries were self-inflicted. Justin passed away at the hospital, leading to the couple’s arrest and murder charges on August 8.

Police spoke to the Elmores’ neighbors, who said they were witnesses to Justin’s punishments, which included intense exercise such as jumping rope, holding weights, and running. After the sentencing, prosecutors told the press that on the day Justin was brought to the hospital, he had been forced by his father and stepmother to run for 3.5 miles, which lasted around 90 minutes. That was before Franklin Elmore beat him to death in his playroom.

Justin’s birth mother, Miranda McBride, had tried to contact Indiana authorities about her son’s treatment while she lived in a different state. She was reportedly told that “they could do nothing because they didn’t find any bruises.” A search of the Elmores’ phones uncovered several photos of Justin with bruises and other injuries.

McBride told WNDU after the sentencing, “I’m satisfied with it. It’s better than what I thought he would get. I wish he’d have more, death row would be great. But most likely by the time he gets out, he’ll probably be dead anyways.”

Franklin Elmore was sentenced to 55 years plus 10 years for aggravated crimes.

Cheyenne Elmore, who initially pleaded not guilty to murder, changed her plea to guilty on Nov. 6. She is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 13, 2026.