The body of a handyman who had been working on a property was found by a mother, her kids, and their friends in Utah, according to body camera footage.
The woman claimed that on May 28, 2020, she went back to the house in the Salt Lake City area and discovered the man—later identified as Melbin Tony Martinez, 39—unconscious in the driveway.
She called 911 to report a man in the driveway who was not breathing and whose heart was not beating. He is simply resting on the floor. He passed away. There is no pulse in my body.
The mother told an officer on body camera that she was taking the boys back to their house in West Valley City after a sleepover when they found Martinez’s dead. According to the father of one of the boys, the children’s distress was understandable.
According to the father, they approached and saw the body.
Associated coverage:
Blood was found in the rear and driveway when officers walked around the site. Two police officers held up a sheet to conceal Martinez’s body from the public while they conducted their investigation.
Jesus Valdez, Jr., who resided next door, was eventually recognized by detectives as the culprit. He supposedly shot Martinez several times because he was annoyed by the noise he was making while working on the roof.
In October, a court sentenced Valdez to 15 years to life in prison after he entered a guilty plea to murder in September.
As previously reported, Valdez was a member of the Surenos 13 gang and had a long criminal history, including threats of murder on an ex-girlfriend and assaults on both of his parents.
“During one of Valdez’s court hearings, Martinez’s family noticed the defendant had an 187 tattoo, which is interpreted to refer to the section of the California Penal Code that criminalizes murder,” according to local CBS affiliate KUTV.
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Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.