Blackfoot man accused of murdering toddler pleads guilty

BLACKFOOT, Idaho – A Blackfoot man accused of killing an 18-month-old boy has pleaded guilty to first-degree murder.

Prosecutors said 22-year-old Jesus Adan Castillo struck Zachary Tendoy in the head and abdominal area causing injuries that led to the boy’s death on March 25. Tendoy was the son of Castillo’s girlfriend.

According to court records, Castillo told investigators he “heel-kicked” Tendoy in the stomach, shook him multiple times and hit him as hard as he could.

Doctors compared the injuries the boy sustained during the attack to injuries from a 70 mph car accident.

Castillo had initially pleaded not guilty to Tendoy’s death, but changed his plea to guilty Wednesday.

He faces a minimum sentence of 10 years to life in prison.

His sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 22.