Carlos Alberto Martinez, a 61-year-old Latino, was tragically shot and killed on May 7, 2017, in the 6500 block of South Normandie Avenue in Harvard Park, Los Angeles. Martinez was inside his store, Martinez Market, along with a cashier when two men wearing skintight hooded sweatshirts entered. One of the men, armed with a gun, pointed it at Martinez, who was also armed. A gunfight ensued between Martinez and the armed suspect.
Martinez was struck during the exchange and was pronounced dead at the scene at 8:10 p.m. Later that night, detectives were notified of a gunshot victim at a local hospital, who was identified as one of the suspects in the armed robbery. This suspect, Alex Lomeli, an 18-year-old Latino, died at the hospital from his injuries. Police believe Lomeli was the gunman who shot and killed Martinez.
On May 10, 2017, prosecutors charged Hector Benitez, a 29-year-old Latino, with one count of murder with the special circumstance that the killing occurred during a robbery. Benitez, identified as a gang member, was arraigned, and his court proceedings were set to continue. Detectives were also seeking an additional suspect in the killing, described only as a Latino male. The investigation into Martinez's death involved the Criminal Gang Homicide Division, and authorities urged anyone with information to come forward.
The case highlighted the ongoing issues of gang violence and armed robberies in the area, drawing attention to the need for increased community safety measures. Martinez's death was a significant loss to the local community, where he was known as a dedicated store owner and a familiar face in the neighborhood. The legal proceedings against Benitez and the search for the additional suspect underscored the complexities and challenges law enforcement faced in addressing such violent crimes. The incident also sparked discussions about the broader implications of gang-related activities and the impact on innocent lives within the community.
