BREAKING: A jury has just convicted Kevin Martinez, 25, of voluntary manslaughter for the 2022 shooting death of his neighbor, Elmer Sanchez Jr., 36, in Tierra Amarilla, north of Española. The verdict was delivered after just over five hours of deliberation, confirming the fatal incident as a homicide carried out in the heat of the moment.
Emotions ran high as Yvette Romero, Sanchez’s mother, expressed relief, stating, “I’m glad we got a conviction even if it’s not the one we wanted. It means he did murder my son.” The jury’s decision reflects a complex case entangled with prior allegations against Martinez, who was already facing serious charges in a separate 2020 rape case at the time of the shooting.
The incident unfolded when tensions escalated following allegations that Martinez had shot Sanchez’s dog earlier that day. Witnesses testified that Sanchez Sr., Elmer’s father, confronted Martinez at his home, which he shared with his grandmother while under house arrest. Later that evening, as Sanchez Sr. returned home with his family, he encountered Martinez and his friend, who allegedly threatened him.
In a shocking turn of events, a single .22-caliber bullet fired by Martinez struck Sanchez Jr. in the chest as he illuminated the area with a flashlight. Despite Sanchez Sr.’s attempt to defend his family—using a handgun—Martinez escaped the scene without immediate repercussions.
Throughout the three-day trial, the prosecution faced challenges, including a lack of concrete evidence. No murder weapon or DNA was found, and key witness testimonies raised questions about credibility. Joseph Allsup, a witness who initially struggled to identify Martinez, claimed he heard Martinez confess to the shooting and hide the weapon under his grandmother’s bed. However, defense attorney Keren Federson argued that Allsup’s motivations were questionable, labeling him a “liar” and a “jailhouse snitch.”
Following the verdict, Martinez faces a potential sentence of up to six years for voluntary manslaughter, with the possibility of an additional five years due to firearm use. He is already expected to serve time for his earlier plea agreement related to rape and kidnapping charges involving a minor.
This case not only highlights the tragic loss of life but also raises serious questions about the adequacy of the investigations surrounding it. An alternate juror expressed dissatisfaction with the prosecution’s handling, suggesting that the investigation was flawed and more evidence should have been pursued.
As the community processes this painful verdict, the emotional toll of the tragedy remains palpable. “Either way, mothers are the ones that hurt,” said the juror, reflecting on the profound impact of the case on both families involved.
Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds.
