Justice To Be Served: Murder Suspect Captured After 4 Year Investigation

San Antonio, TX – Joe Martinez III, 24, was arrested this afternoon by the United States Marshals Service Lone Star Fugitive Task Force (LSFTF) in San Antonio, TX. An arrest warrant was issued pursuant to an investigation by the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD), where it is alleged that Martinez committed 1st degree murder.

On March 24, 2014, members of the LSFTF initiated an investigation in locating and apprehending Martinez. Through investigative efforts and extensive surveillance, task force officers along with assistance from SAPD determined that Martinez was hiding out with his girlfriend, Rebecca Rodriguez, 23, in a hotel room located in the 2100 block of SW Loop 410, on the northwest side of San Antonio. While conducting surveillance, task force officers positively identified Martinez as he and Rodriguez exited the hotel room. Task force officers approached Martinez, identified themselves, and took him into custody without incident. Task force officers also arrested Rodriguez based on an outstanding warrant for theft of a person.

On February 10, 2010, Martinez was allegedly involved in a shooting that resulted in the death of a man here in San Antonio. Reports stated that two rival groups were involved in a verbal altercation at a local restaurant. The next day, Martinez and his group of friends approached the victim in the 1700 block of West Laurel Street. Martinez allegedly pulled out a handgun and shot the victim. After an extensive investigation conducted by SAPD detectives, a District Court Judge of Bexar County issued a warrant for Martinez’s arrest on March 20, 2014.

Martinez is currently being held in custody at the Bexar County Jail.

Robert R. Almonte, United States Marshal for the Western District of Texas, stated, “I am grateful for the successful efforts displayed by our task force officers in arresting this fugitive, but more importantly I extend my sincere gratitude to the SAPD detectives who worked diligently and persistently over the past 4 years so that Martinez could finally be brought to justice.”

Members of the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force:

    New Braunfels Police Department

    San Antonio Police Department

    San Antonio Independent School District Police Department

    Bexar County Sheriff’s Office

    Comal County Sheriff’s Office

    Bexar County Fire Marshal’s Office

    Bexar County District Attorney’s Office

    Texas Office of The Attorney General

    Texas Department of Public Safety

    Texas Department of Criminal Justice – Office of the Inspector General

    Immigration & Customs Enforcement – Office of Detention & Removal

    U.S. Marshals Service