Ohio Woman Sentenced for Ordering Torture of Boyfriend

A 29-year-old woman from northern Ohio received a 22-year prison sentence after she instructed her husband and four boyfriends to brutally torture another man in a motel room.

Martina Esqueda was sentenced by a Lucas County judge, who noted the incident seemed to stem from a desire for revenge against Austin McClellan, 26, after Esqueda attributed her actions to past childhood abuse and a lack of love, according to news reports.

She was found guilty of first-degree kidnapping and second-degree felony assault, an act that echoed elements of cult-like dominance over men by women. “This case really disgusted the court,” Judge Lori Olender commented during the sentencing.

Esqueda, residing in Toledo with McClellan, her husband, and several lovers, coerced them to inflict physical harm on the victim. They used metal bats, forced him to stand for extended periods, and restricted his food and water intake to once a day.

The man managed to escape after being allowed to visit a nearby convenience store.

Before sentencing, Esqueda’s lawyer argued that her actions were a result of her traumatic upbringing. “She doesn’t understand love, because she’s never felt it,” the lawyer stated, adding that those meant to care for her had failed her deeply.

Judge Olender rejected this justification, stating Esqueda had transferred her trauma onto others, putting them in situations similar to her own past experiences.

During the proceedings, victims spoke about the lingering effects of their atrocities. One victim addressed Esqueda directly, saying that the nightmares he still experiences are a result of the torment she and her partners inflicted upon him.

This horrifying episode began on March 14 of last year when Esqueda’s husband, along with her boyfriends, forcibly brought the victim to a motel, intending to retaliate for an earlier altercation at her home. Esqueda claimed her arm was broken while trying to separate a dog fight, but she later alleged that the victim was responsible for her injuries.

Her husband and three of the involved men have already faced convictions related to this incident, while the last defendant is set to be sentenced next week.