Death Of Victoria Martens
Child Homicide Case
CLASSIFICATION: Murder
LOCATION
Albuquerque, New Mexico
TIME PERIOD
August 23, 2016
VICTIMS
1 confirmed
On August 24, 2016, the dismembered body of 10-year-old Victoria Martens was discovered in her mother's apartment in Albuquerque, New Mexico, following a 9-1-1 call regarding a domestic dispute. The victim's mother, Michelle Martens (35), her boyfriend, Fabian Gonzales (31), and Gonzales' cousin, Jessica Kelley (31), were arrested at the scene and charged with first-degree murder, child abuse resulting in grievous bodily harm or death, kidnapping, tampering with evidence, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Michelle Martens pled guilty to child abuse resulting in death on June 29, 2018, while Jessica Kelley accepted a plea deal in 2019; Gonzales was found guilty at trial and sentenced to 37.5 years on October 27, 2022. A fourth unidentified male suspect is still being sought based on DNA evidence collected from the scene.
Some believe that the involvement of a fourth unidentified male suspect, indicated by DNA evidence found at the scene, suggests a larger conspiracy or additional culpability beyond the three arrested individuals. Others speculate about the dynamics of abuse and neglect within the household, questioning the extent of Michelle Martens' awareness and involvement in the events leading to her daughter's death. Additionally, there are theories regarding the potential for a motive tied to drug use or other criminal activities within the family.
The Tragic Death of Victoria Martens: A True Crime Narrative
A Birthday That Ended in Tragedy
On what should have been a joyous occasion, August 23, 2016, marked the tenth birthday of Victoria Martens. Instead of celebrating, the young girl met a gruesome fate in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The following day, her dismembered body was discovered by police officers responding to a domestic disturbance call at her home. Wrapped in a burning blanket, her remains lay in the apartment she shared with her mother, Michelle Martens. This discovery would unravel a case mired in horrific details and a search for justice that would captivate and horrify the nation.
Victoria's Background
Born on August 23, 2006, Victoria Martens was a student at Petroglyph Elementary School. Her mother, Michelle Martens, did not have a prior criminal record in New Mexico, yet she harbored dark secrets. Investigators later learned that Michelle allegedly sought men online to partake in sexual acts with her children. The state's Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD) had received five calls about the household, most initiated by Michelle herself, starting in 2015. Just a month before Victoria's death, Michelle met Fabian Gonzales on an internet dating site, and shortly after, Jessica Kelley, Gonzales' cousin, was released from prison.
The Night of Horror
On the evening of August 23, witnesses reported seeing Jessica Kelley carrying Victoria to the apartment around 10 p.m. As darkness fell, neighbors heard screams emanating from within. Hours later, at approximately 4:30 a.m. on August 24, Michelle Martens and Fabian Gonzales emerged, telling neighbors that Kelley had attacked them with an iron.
When police arrived, they were met with a chilling scene: smoke billowed from the bathroom. Inside, they found Victoria's lifeless body, mutilated and set on fire. An autopsy revealed the unspeakable truth—Victoria had been sexually assaulted, strangled, stabbed, and then dismembered. Disturbingly, she had been given alcohol and methamphetamine, allegedly to "calm her down" for the assault, a claim Michelle later retracted. Investigators pinpointed her time of death to between 7:45 and 8:30 p.m. on her birthday.
Arrests and Charges
The immediate aftermath saw Michelle Martens, Fabian Gonzales, and Jessica Kelley arrested and charged with a slew of offenses, including first-degree murder and child abuse resulting in death. Held on a $1 million bond, each pleaded not guilty when arraigned on September 16, 2016. The court later decided to try them separately, with Michelle's trial set to begin first.
Unfolding Legal Proceedings
As the legal processes unfolded, a startling development came on June 29, 2018. Bernalillo County District Attorney Raúl Torrez announced that Michelle Martens had accepted a plea deal, admitting guilt to one count of child abuse resulting in death. He revealed that many previously reported details were false and disclosed the search for a fourth suspect, based on new DNA evidence. This revelation led to the dismissal of several charges against Fabian Gonzales, although he still faced trial.
Fabian Gonzales was eventually found guilty of reckless child abuse, tampering with evidence, and conspiracy to tamper with evidence. Sentenced to 37.5 years, he remains eligible for parole after serving half his term. Jessica Kelley, who agreed to testify against Gonzales, pleaded guilty to charges including reckless child abuse resulting in death, receiving a 44-year sentence. Like Gonzales, she may serve only half of her sentence.
The Police Department's Internal Struggle
This case also cast a shadow over the Albuquerque Police Department. An investigation by the Civilian Police Oversight Agency in August 2017 revealed misrepresentations made by police officials regarding prior CYFD referrals about Victoria. A suspension was suggested for the officer involved, but this was reduced by the Chief of Police, sparking further controversy.
Public Reaction and Memorial
The horrific nature of Victoria's death left a deep scar on the community and beyond. Albuquerque Police Chief Gorden Eden described it as "the most gruesome act of evil" in his career. New Mexico's Governor Susana Martinez called for federal intervention, while Mayor Richard J. Berry urged families to cherish their children. On August 29, 2016, a birthday memorial was held for Victoria, followed by a public funeral on October 29.
In the wake of these events, Victoria's maternal grandparents filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city and its police department, citing negligence in responding to prior warnings. Although seeking policy changes and compensation, the case was ultimately dismissed.
This tragic case remains a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities children face and the failures that can lead to unspeakable outcomes. Victoria Martens, a young girl with a future ahead of her, was taken too soon under the most harrowing of circumstances.
Sources
For further reading, the original Wikipedia article on the Death of Victoria Martens offers comprehensive details.
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Victoria Martens Murdered
10-year-old Victoria Martens is murdered on her birthday, with her body later found dismembered.
Body Discovered
Police find Victoria's dismembered remains in a burning blanket after responding to a domestic dispute call.
Suspects Arraigned
Michelle Martens, Fabian Gonzales, and Jessica Kelley are arraigned and plead not guilty to multiple charges.
Mother Pleads Guilty
Michelle Martens pleads guilty to child abuse resulting in death; a fourth suspect is identified.
Jessica Kelley Sentenced
Jessica Kelley is sentenced to 44 years in prison after accepting a plea deal.
Fabian Gonzales Sentenced
Fabian Gonzales is sentenced to 37.5 years in prison after being found guilty of child abuse and tampering with evidence.
Trial Postponements
Trials for Gonzales and Kelley are postponed until 2022, with multiple delays in proceedings.
Victoria's Funeral
A public funeral is held for Victoria Martens, attended by family and community members.
On August 24, 2016, the dismembered body of 10-year-old Victoria Martens was discovered in her mother's apartment in Albuquerque, New Mexico, following a 9-1-1 call regarding a domestic dispute. The victim's mother, Michelle Martens (35), her boyfriend, Fabian Gonzales (31), and Gonzales' cousin, Jessica Kelley (31), were arrested at the scene and charged with first-degree murder, child abuse resulting in grievous bodily harm or death, kidnapping, tampering with evidence, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Michelle Martens pled guilty to child abuse resulting in death on June 29, 2018, while Jessica Kelley accepted a plea deal in 2019; Gonzales was found guilty at trial and sentenced to 37.5 years on October 27, 2022. A fourth unidentified male suspect is still being sought based on DNA evidence collected from the scene.
Some believe that the involvement of a fourth unidentified male suspect, indicated by DNA evidence found at the scene, suggests a larger conspiracy or additional culpability beyond the three arrested individuals. Others speculate about the dynamics of abuse and neglect within the household, questioning the extent of Michelle Martens' awareness and involvement in the events leading to her daughter's death. Additionally, there are theories regarding the potential for a motive tied to drug use or other criminal activities within the family.
The Tragic Death of Victoria Martens: A True Crime Narrative
A Birthday That Ended in Tragedy
On what should have been a joyous occasion, August 23, 2016, marked the tenth birthday of Victoria Martens. Instead of celebrating, the young girl met a gruesome fate in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The following day, her dismembered body was discovered by police officers responding to a domestic disturbance call at her home. Wrapped in a burning blanket, her remains lay in the apartment she shared with her mother, Michelle Martens. This discovery would unravel a case mired in horrific details and a search for justice that would captivate and horrify the nation.
Victoria's Background
Born on August 23, 2006, Victoria Martens was a student at Petroglyph Elementary School. Her mother, Michelle Martens, did not have a prior criminal record in New Mexico, yet she harbored dark secrets. Investigators later learned that Michelle allegedly sought men online to partake in sexual acts with her children. The state's Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD) had received five calls about the household, most initiated by Michelle herself, starting in 2015. Just a month before Victoria's death, Michelle met Fabian Gonzales on an internet dating site, and shortly after, Jessica Kelley, Gonzales' cousin, was released from prison.
The Night of Horror
On the evening of August 23, witnesses reported seeing Jessica Kelley carrying Victoria to the apartment around 10 p.m. As darkness fell, neighbors heard screams emanating from within. Hours later, at approximately 4:30 a.m. on August 24, Michelle Martens and Fabian Gonzales emerged, telling neighbors that Kelley had attacked them with an iron.
When police arrived, they were met with a chilling scene: smoke billowed from the bathroom. Inside, they found Victoria's lifeless body, mutilated and set on fire. An autopsy revealed the unspeakable truth—Victoria had been sexually assaulted, strangled, stabbed, and then dismembered. Disturbingly, she had been given alcohol and methamphetamine, allegedly to "calm her down" for the assault, a claim Michelle later retracted. Investigators pinpointed her time of death to between 7:45 and 8:30 p.m. on her birthday.
Arrests and Charges
The immediate aftermath saw Michelle Martens, Fabian Gonzales, and Jessica Kelley arrested and charged with a slew of offenses, including first-degree murder and child abuse resulting in death. Held on a $1 million bond, each pleaded not guilty when arraigned on September 16, 2016. The court later decided to try them separately, with Michelle's trial set to begin first.
Unfolding Legal Proceedings
As the legal processes unfolded, a startling development came on June 29, 2018. Bernalillo County District Attorney Raúl Torrez announced that Michelle Martens had accepted a plea deal, admitting guilt to one count of child abuse resulting in death. He revealed that many previously reported details were false and disclosed the search for a fourth suspect, based on new DNA evidence. This revelation led to the dismissal of several charges against Fabian Gonzales, although he still faced trial.
Fabian Gonzales was eventually found guilty of reckless child abuse, tampering with evidence, and conspiracy to tamper with evidence. Sentenced to 37.5 years, he remains eligible for parole after serving half his term. Jessica Kelley, who agreed to testify against Gonzales, pleaded guilty to charges including reckless child abuse resulting in death, receiving a 44-year sentence. Like Gonzales, she may serve only half of her sentence.
The Police Department's Internal Struggle
This case also cast a shadow over the Albuquerque Police Department. An investigation by the Civilian Police Oversight Agency in August 2017 revealed misrepresentations made by police officials regarding prior CYFD referrals about Victoria. A suspension was suggested for the officer involved, but this was reduced by the Chief of Police, sparking further controversy.
Public Reaction and Memorial
The horrific nature of Victoria's death left a deep scar on the community and beyond. Albuquerque Police Chief Gorden Eden described it as "the most gruesome act of evil" in his career. New Mexico's Governor Susana Martinez called for federal intervention, while Mayor Richard J. Berry urged families to cherish their children. On August 29, 2016, a birthday memorial was held for Victoria, followed by a public funeral on October 29.
In the wake of these events, Victoria's maternal grandparents filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city and its police department, citing negligence in responding to prior warnings. Although seeking policy changes and compensation, the case was ultimately dismissed.
This tragic case remains a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities children face and the failures that can lead to unspeakable outcomes. Victoria Martens, a young girl with a future ahead of her, was taken too soon under the most harrowing of circumstances.
Sources
For further reading, the original Wikipedia article on the Death of Victoria Martens offers comprehensive details.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Victoria Martens Murdered
10-year-old Victoria Martens is murdered on her birthday, with her body later found dismembered.
Body Discovered
Police find Victoria's dismembered remains in a burning blanket after responding to a domestic dispute call.
Suspects Arraigned
Michelle Martens, Fabian Gonzales, and Jessica Kelley are arraigned and plead not guilty to multiple charges.
Mother Pleads Guilty
Michelle Martens pleads guilty to child abuse resulting in death; a fourth suspect is identified.
Jessica Kelley Sentenced
Jessica Kelley is sentenced to 44 years in prison after accepting a plea deal.
Fabian Gonzales Sentenced
Fabian Gonzales is sentenced to 37.5 years in prison after being found guilty of child abuse and tampering with evidence.
Trial Postponements
Trials for Gonzales and Kelley are postponed until 2022, with multiple delays in proceedings.
Victoria's Funeral
A public funeral is held for Victoria Martens, attended by family and community members.