Manuel Francisco 'Chubz' Martinez III, a 31-year-old male, passed away on June 18, 2016, in East Chicago, Indiana, a victim of gun violence. Born on February 28, 1985, his life was cut short in an act connected to gang-related criminal activity. Friends and family remembered him as a funny and caring individual, whose serious and sometimes mean appearance belied a kind personality.
He enjoyed cooking out and, most of all, spending time with his son and family.
The tragic circumstances of his death unfolded on or about June 17, 2016. Authorities alleged that Luis Allen Perez, also known as 'LA,' was responsible for the death of Martinez. At the time of the incident, Perez was allegedly a member of the Imperial Gangsters street gang. The motive behind the killing was reportedly for Perez to maintain or elevate his status within the gang. During the same incident, Perez also allegedly attempted to murder another individual.
In the aftermath of the shooting, a significant law enforcement investigation was launched, involving multiple agencies such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the East Chicago Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This collaborative effort led to a federal grand jury in Hammond, Indiana, returning a nine-count superseding indictment against Luis Allen Perez on August 19, 2016. The charges brought against him were severe and included murder in aid of racketeering activity and RICO conspiracy, underscoring the serious nature of the crime and its connection to organized gang activity. The indictment marked a crucial step in the legal proceedings aimed at bringing justice for the death of Manuel Martinez.
