Henry Ernesto Martinez, a 29-year-old Hispanic male, was tragically shot and killed outside his apartment in Jacksonville, FL, on June 29, 2017. Martinez, known in the music world as "Ya Boy H," had recently moved to Jacksonville with his girlfriend and their one-year-old son. He was a passionate musician with several music videos and an album titled "Bands Goin' Up" released in 2016.
On the night of his death, Martinez was returning home with fast food when he was ambushed by a gunman who fired approximately 20 shots. Witnesses reported seeing the gunman continue to shoot Martinez even after he had fallen, and then proceed to empty his pockets before fleeing the scene.
The incident occurred just after midnight at the Windy Pines apartment complex on 103rd Street. Neighbors were startled by the sound of gunfire, initially mistaking it for early Fourth of July fireworks. One neighbor, who witnessed the aftermath, described seeing the gunman standing over Martinez, continuing to shoot and rummage through his belongings. Despite the quick response from police and paramedics, Martinez succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office launched an investigation into the murder, but no arrests were made immediately following the incident. The motive behind the shooting was not immediately clear, though some speculated it might have been drug-related. Martinez's death left a significant impact on his community and those who knew him. His music producer, Lafayette Cunningham, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing Martinez as a dedicated father and a passionate artist who had moved to Jacksonville to support a family member.
As of the latest available information, the case remains unsolved, with no suspects publicly identified or arrested. The investigation into the murder of Henry Ernesto Martinez continues, with law enforcement urging anyone with information to come forward to help bring justice for the 29-year-old musician and his grieving family.
