On a cold January evening in Wichita, Kansas, the life of 17-year-old Hispanic male, Alexis Cervantes Martinez, was tragically cut short. On January 17, 2022, a night that began with plans for a meeting ended in a fatal burst of violence at a south Wichita apartment complex in the 2700 block of south Emporia. Just before 9:30 p.m., residents heard the alarming sounds of gunshots followed by a loud crash, prompting calls to 911.
Responding officers arrived at a grim scene.
A vehicle had crashed into a storage unit, and inside they discovered Alexis Cervantes-Martinez and 16-year-old Mariah Zamora, both suffering from gunshot wounds. Alexis, who was in the driver's seat, was pronounced dead at the scene. Zamora was rushed to a local hospital but succumbed to her injuries. Friends and family remembered Alexis as a bright and loving young man who was a junior at Southeast High School.
The investigation into the double homicide revealed that the two teenagers had arranged to meet someone at the apartment complex for a drug transaction that was set up through social media. During this meeting, an unknown individual fired multiple shots into their vehicle, fatally wounding both occupants. As of the latest reports, no arrests have been made in connection with the murders of Alexis Cervantes Martinez and Mariah Zamora. Police have not released any description of a suspect or suspects, and the case remains an active investigation. Authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward and contact the Wichita Police Department or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers.
