Prosecutors in Florida have recently released disturbing home surveillance footage, which appears to show a 42-year-old Marine Corps veteran, Zachary Perez, torturing his 6-year-old stepson.
The footage shows the child being brutally beaten, kicked, and whipped with a switch. It also shows the child being strangled with a pink dog collar that Perez allegedly yanked so forcefully it lifted the child off the ground.
The Abusive Behavior Uncovered in Surveillance Footage
The footage, obtained by Law&Crime, reveals a series of horrifying events that took place in May 2025. Although the child’s identity has been fully redacted, the disturbing actions of Perez are clearly visible.
One clip shows Perez walking the child around the yard using a dog leash attached to the boy’s neck. In another scene, the child is shown carrying a backpack filled with rocks.
One particularly shocking clip shows the child jumping on his bed before Perez enters the room and kicks him in the stomach or head, sending the boy flying onto the bed. Perez then angrily orders the child to put on his shoes.
Another video shows Perez kicking the boy as he runs past him and chasing him with a wooden stick in the yard. The most disturbing clip, which is largely redacted, shows the boy being yanked backward by the dog collar, lifting him off the ground before he crashes to the grass.
The Aftermath and Arrest of Zachary Perez
Authorities became aware of the abuse after the boy’s mother reported the incidents in May 2025. Perez was arrested shortly after the report and placed under house arrest.
During a June court hearing, a deputy from the Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Office testified about the shocking evidence discovered during the investigation. The deputy described the boy’s physical condition, mentioning bruises, swollen eyes, and marks from the abuse.
The boy was also reportedly suffering from a rash on his neck due to the dog collar, which further raised concerns about the severity of the abuse. According to the deputy, Perez had punched the boy in the face multiple times and used the dog collar as a form of restraint.
Perez’s Threatening Behavior and Previous Allegations
Text messages Perez allegedly sent to the victim’s mother were also presented in court. In one message, Perez reportedly told her, “Get home,” and threatened her, saying, “You’ll remember Mother’s Day.” This, coupled with his violent behavior, has led prosecutors to describe him as a serious threat.
Other women who were previously in relationships with Perez have also come forward, claiming to have witnessed or experienced similar abuse. They described Perez as someone who would threaten to kill them, their children, and even his ex-wife, using a gun to intimidate his victims.
Court Case and Future Proceedings
Zachary Perez has pleaded not guilty to the charges of aggravated child abuse resulting in great bodily harm. He is scheduled to appear in court again on August 28, 2025, for further proceedings.
His case has raised serious concerns about the safety of others around him, as his behavior continues to alarm those who have been involved with him in the past.
The case against Zachary Perez is a grim reminder of the potential for abuse hidden behind closed doors. The release of the surveillance footage has given authorities a clear picture of the trauma endured by the child.
As the legal process continues, the hope is that justice will be served and that Perez will be held accountable for his actions. This case also highlights the importance of vigilant parenting and the need for intervention when signs of abuse arise.
