Two Charged With Murder of 18-Year-Old Connecticut Student Found Dead on Highway

Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the murder of an 18-year-old in Connecticut, whose body was discovered wrapped in a comforter along a highway. The suspects have been identified as the victim's cousins.

Discovery of the Body

The body of Edgar Josué Chiche Martínez was found on Pope Park Highway in Hartford on a Saturday morning, mere days before what would have been his 19th birthday, as reported by family members to NBC Connecticut. The body was subsequently transported to the state’s Chief Medical Examiner’s Office, where it was determined that the victim had suffered apparent gunshot wounds, as stated by Hartford police in a news release.

Investigation and Arrests

The investigation revealed that Martínez had been shot inside an apartment on Magnolia Street a day prior to the discovery of his body, which had been placed on the highway for approximately 24 hours before being found. Following this discovery, two suspects, identified as 21-year-old Sender Soto-Veliz and a 17-year-old, were arrested, as confirmed by the police. The teenager faced charges of murder and tampering with evidence, while Soto-Veliz was charged with hindering prosecution and tampering with evidence.

Suspects and Family

Martínez’s family revealed that the victim's parents reside in Guatemala and that he lived in the apartment on Magnolia Street with his cousins, who are currently facing charges in connection with his murder. The Hartford police also confirmed that the suspects are cousins of the victim. However, it is not immediately clear if the two suspects have retained attorneys.

Seeking Justice

Verónica Imelda Martínez Mayen, the victim’s aunt, expressed her desire for earthly justice, stating, “What we do want is for earthly justice to be made because God’s justice is on the other side.” The family believes that the motive behind the slaying was money. Despite the police not disclosing a potential motive, Martínez Mayen emphasized the family's belief.

Aspirations and Descriptions

Martínez Mayen and Nimsa Martínez, the victim’s sister, described the victim as a caring individual who avoided parties and had recently graduated from Hartford High School. Nimsa expressed her fond memories of her brother, stating, “He was the person who always took care of me, despite him not being OK. I’m going to remember him as the most beautiful person I could’ve ever known.”

The investigation into the murder of Edgar Josué Chiche Martínez is ongoing as the family seeks justice for their beloved son, brother, and cousin