Current:Home > MarketsTeen charged with murder of beloved California middle-school teacher-LoTradeCoin
Teen charged with murder of beloved California middle-school teacher
View Date:2024-12-23 22:14:20
A 16-year-old boy has been charged in the killing of a beloved middle-school teacher during a burglary in central California last year.
Officers found Sergio Martin, a 50-year-old teacher for the Cutler-Orosi Joint Unified School District, dead from multiple gunshot wounds in his home in Dinuba at around 3 a.m. on Nov. 6, 2023. At the time, police described the shooting as a random act of violence and said the suspect was not a former student of Martin's.
The teenager was charged with murder and burglary, among other counts, the Tulare County District Attorney said Monday. The teen was arraigned in Tulare County Juvenile Court on Friday.
Under California law, the boy will be tried as a juvenile because he was 15 at the time of the killing. If convicted, he can only remain in custody until the age of 25.
Two young adults also charged in burglary
Two others were charged with burglary in connection to the crime, according to the district attorney's office.
Jorge Arrieta, 21, and Joseph Garcia, 20, were charged with second-degree burglary and accessory. Arrieta is also charged with having stolen property, according to the prosecutor.
The two were arrested on Friday, with Arrieta remaining in custody and arraigned on Monday. Garcia was released on bail and is scheduled to return to court on May 22 for his arraignment.
USA TODAY was working to track down attorneys for Arrieta and Garcia for comment.
Martin loved vinyl records and the Dodgers
Martin taught Spanish at El Monte Middle School for 17 years. Following his death, students and teachers at the school posted dozens of notes with letters and pictures outside his classroom. One of them said, "I am sorry," while another simply said: "We will miss you, Mr. Martin."
The educator was a dedicated fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers, his colleague Chris Velasco told KFSN-TV in November.
Emilio Botello, one of Martin's close friends, said he deeply cared about his parents and students and was enthusiastic about his vinyl record collection.
"Beyond his teachings and in the classroom, he's affected many kids, but to adults that's not that easy, it's not that easy and he's done that," Botello told KFSN.
Contributing: Eric Woomer, Visalia Times-Delta
veryGood! (278)
Related
- Patrick Mahomes Breaks Silence on Frustrating Robbery Amid Ongoing Investigation
- Albania’s opposition speaks up at the Constitutional Court against ratifying migrant deal with Italy
- Halle Bailey Expresses Gratitude to Supporters Who Are “Respectful of Women’s Bodies”
- Bank of England will review the risks that AI poses to UK financial stability
- A wayward sea turtle wound up in the Netherlands. A rescue brought it thousands of miles back home
- Top US and Chinese diplomats agree to build on recent progress in ties
- Viral video of manatee's living conditions feels like a 'gut punch,' sparks relocation from Florida facility
- Psychologists say they can't meet the growing demand for mental health care
- 2 dead in explosion at Kentucky factory that also damaged surrounding neighborhood
- Trainers at New Jersey police seminar disparaged women, made ‘inappropriate’ remarks, officials say
Ranking
- Horoscopes Today, November 12, 2024
- AP PHOTOS: An earthquake, a shipwreck and a king’s coronation are among Europe’s views in 2023
- 'Periodical' filmmaker wants to talk about PMS, menopause and the tampon tax
- Taylor Swift Calls Out Kim Kardashian Over Infamous Kanye West Call
- Could trad wives, influencers have sparked the red wave among female voters?
- Golf officials to roll back ball for pros and weekend hackers alike. Not everyone is happy
- Dutch plans to tackle climate change are in doubt after the election victory of a far-right party
- Two students arrested after bringing guns to California high school on consecutive days: Police
Recommendation
-
4 charged in Detroit street shooting that left 2 dead, 5 wounded
-
‘Know My Name’ author Chanel Miller has written a children’s book, ‘Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All’
-
Two students arrested after bringing guns to California high school on consecutive days: Police
-
Fantasy football rankings for Week 14: Playoffs or bust
-
Taylor Swift drops Christmas merchandise collection, including for 'Tortured Poets' era
-
NCAA President Charlie Baker says new subdivision would allow schools to do more for athletes
-
Ariana Madix follows 'DWTS' stint with Broadway debut in 'Chicago': 'Dream come true'
-
Pope says he’s ‘much better’ after a bout of bronchitis but still gets tired if he speaks too much