Two young men have been accused of the murder of their teenage cousin in a tragic turn of events after his body was discovered wrapped in a blanket on the side of a Connecticut highway on Saturday, just before his 19th birthday.
Authorities claim that Edgar Josué Chiche MartÃnez was left on the side of Pope Park Highway in Hartford after being shot inside the apartment he shared with his cousins, NBC Connecticut reported.
One of the teen’s 17-year-old male cousins has been charged with murder and tampering with evidence, while another cousin, 21-year-old Sender Soto-Veliz, is facing charges of hindering prosecution and tampering with evidence.
Investigations revealed that MartÃnez was fatally shot inside the shared apartment on Saturday, approximately 24 hours before his body was discovered wrapped in a comforter on the side of the highway, WTNH reported.
MartÃnez’s family suspects that the murder was financially motivated.
His aunt Verónica Imelda MartÃnez Mayen mentioned that her nephew was not involved in any wrongdoing.
“He avoided parties and was very friendly,” she said.
MartÃnez, a recent graduate of Hartford High School, would have celebrated his 19th birthday on Thursday.
His family became concerned when he failed to show up for work on Thursday and Friday.
His sister described him as a compassionate individual, hardworking, and a great older brother.
“I will remember him as the most wonderful person I have ever known,” said his sister, Nimsa MartÃnez.
MartÃnez’s parents reside in Guatemala. His Connecticut-based family hopes to repatriate his body for burial.
Law enforcement stated that Soto-Veliz, held on a $500,000 bond, is scheduled for arraignment in court on Wednesday morning, and the juvenile charged will be transferred to adult court.
