On October 8, 2023, 56-year-old Miriam Martinez Pol was fatally shot in her apartment at 8700 Gustine Lane in southwest Houston, Texas. Houston Police Department officers responded to reports of a shooting around 5:20 p.m. and discovered Martinez Pol with a gunshot wound to the head. She was immediately transported to Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center, where she was pronounced deceased.
Investigations identified her ex-boyfriend, 40-year-old Roger Betancourt-Castillo, as the primary suspect. Surveillance footage reportedly captured Betancourt-Castillo entering Martinez Pol's second-floor apartment shortly before the shooting. A friend of the victim, present during the incident, recounted hearing Martinez Pol scream before finding her bleeding near the front door. Earlier that day, Martinez Pol had contacted police regarding an issue with Betancourt-Castillo, and a report was filed.
On November 3, 2023, the Houston Police Department announced that Betancourt-Castillo had been charged with murder in connection with Martinez Pol's death. Despite the issuance of an arrest warrant, he remains at large. Authorities have released his photographs to the public and are actively seeking information regarding his whereabouts. Both Martinez Pol and Betancourt-Castillo are originally from Cuba.
The tragic death of Miriam Martinez Pol has deeply affected the local community, highlighting the severe consequences of domestic violence. Organizations such as the Texas Council on Family Violence have documented her case, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and preventive measures to protect individuals from similar acts of violence.
As the search for Betancourt-Castillo continues, law enforcement agencies urge anyone with information to contact the Houston Police Department Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS. A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered for information leading to his arrest.
This case underscores the critical importance of addressing domestic violence and ensuring that victims have access to the necessary resources and support to prevent such tragedies.
