The San Benito County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Jorge
Martinez in connection with Wednesday’s homicide at the IOOF
Cemetery.
The San Benito County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Jorge Martinez as a “person of interest” in connection with Wednesday’s homicide at the IOOF Cemetery.
Martinez, 33, had been deemed a person of interest after witnesses reported seeing him with the victim, 72-year-old Francisco J. Rojas, who was homeless, moments before the homicide, according to the sheriff’s office.
Sheriff’s authorities found him at a location in Hollister and arrested him on suspicion of homicide, said Detective Sgt. Tony Lamonica. He said investigators wanted to keep that location confidential while they continue witness questioning.
Martinez, also a homeless man, was booked at 12:38 p.m. Thursday, said Lt. Edward Escamilla, the jail commander. Authorities had released his identity and asked for the public’s help earlier Thursday.
Deputies searched until 10 p.m. Wednesday and all morning Thursday for both Martinez and the murder weapon, Lt. Roy Iler said.
Look back for more information as the story develops.
