Crime Solvers Central
CSC
268 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.
Jesse Martinez death by force case profile photo

Jesse Martinez

Case from Los Angeles, CA dated Oct 23, 1978

Victim Details

Jesse Martinez

Male

Hispanic / Latino

Los Angeles

CA

1978-10-23

50

Jesse

Martinez

07/08/2026

Case Description

Any updates on this case? Let us know!
On the morning of October 23, 1978, Jesse Martinez, a 50-year-old Hispanic male, was found dead in a skid row parking lot in Los Angeles, California. His death marked the beginning of a chilling series of murders that would later be attributed to a serial killer dubbed the "Skid Row Stabber." Martinez, who was reportedly homeless at the time, had been stabbed to death, and his body was discovered in an area known for its transient population and high crime rates.

The murder of Jesse Marti ...
MEMBER ACCESS

Continue reading the complete case summary

Unlock the full case narrative for Jesse Martinez, all available source links, additional videos, and member discussions.

Unlock Full Case Access — $3.97/month
Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in

Links to Additional Sources (5)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • Jesse Anthony Martinez - Fremont - Berge Pappas Smith
  • Karen Kacey Martinez Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information
    • MEMBER ACCESS

    Unlock 3 additional sources

    View the complete collection of available reporting and reference links for this case.

    View All Case Sources — $3.97/month
    Cancel anytime.
    Already a member? Log in

    Latest News

    View All

    Forum Posts (2)

    I recently came across the Skid Row Stabber case, and it left me with so many questions. What’s be... ...Read More
    02/18/2024
    I've always been particularly interested in how the police handled crime scene investigations back i... ...Read More
    08/19/2023
    MEMBER ACCESS

    Join the discussion for Jesse Martinez

    Read full forum posts and contribute to this case discussion.

    Unlock forum access — $3.97/month
    Already a member? Log in

    Other Cases from Los Angeles, California

    Moses Yakanac death by force case in Los Angeles, CA

    Moses Yakanac

    Death: Dec 08, 1974
    On December 8, 1974, Moses Yakanac, a 47-year-old Native Alaskan man, was found brutally murdered in i ...Read More
    Brandon Stennett death by force case in Los Angeles, CA

    Brandon Stennett

    Death: Aug 05, 2025
    Brandon Stennett, a 36-year-old male of Black/African American ethnicity, was shot before dawn on Au A ...Read More
    Frank Phillip Sotelo death by force case in Los Angeles, CA

    Frank Phillip Sotelo

    Death: Apr 24, 2025
    Frank Phillip Sotelo, a 50-year-old White/Caucasian male, passed away on April 24, 2025, at his resi s ...Read More
    Alec Basmajian death by force case in Los Angeles, CA

    Alec Basmajian

    Death: May 27, 2026
    In a quiet North Hills neighborhood in Los Angeles, a heartbreaking scene unfolded on the evening of o ...Read More
    Brandon Ajin-Reynoso death by force case in Los Angeles, CA

    Brandon Ajin-Reynoso

    Death: Sep 29, 2025
    Brandon Ajin-Reynoso was a 20-year-old male from Los Angeles. On the evening of Monday, September 29 2 ...Read More
    Dornell Crib death by force case in Los Angeles, CA

    Dornell Crib

    Death: Mar 01, 2026
    On the evening of Sunday, March 1, 2026, a burst of violence in the Jefferson Park neighborhood of L ...Read More
    Lorenzo Tzoc death by force case in Los Angeles, CA

    Lorenzo Tzoc

    Death: Jul 05, 2025
    Lorenzo Tzoc, a 25-year-old male, Latino of Guatemalan origin, was pronounced dead on July 5, 2025, , ...Read More