San Benito County sheriff’s investigators have identified a
”
person of interest
”
in a homicide at the IOOF Cemetery on Wednesday, according to
the sheriff’s office. Investigators are seeking Jorge Martinez, 33,
because witnesses say he was seen with the victim, 72-year-old
homeless resident Francisco J. Rojas, according to the sheriff’s
office.
San Benito County sheriff’s investigators have identified a “person of interest” in a homicide at the IOOF Cemetery on Wednesday, according to the sheriff’s office.
Investigators are seeking Jorge Martinez, 33, because witnesses say he was seen with the victim, 72-year-old homeless resident Francisco J. Rojas, according to the sheriff’s office. Martinez is believed to be homeless as well.
Deputies responded 3:15 p.m. Wednesday to the cemetery in the 600 block of Buena Vista Road for a stabbing report. They found Rojas, who had been stabbed and shortly after was pronounced dead at the scene.
Rojas’ body was found with a wound through his heart and defense marks Investigators worked on the scene until 10 p.m Wednesday and returned Thursday at 7 a.m.
Investigators have yet to find the murder weapon and the “person of interest” but are still searching, Iler said.
“We are still searching,” he said.
Witnesses reported seeing a Hispanic man in a black jacket leaving the area before deputies arrived. Deputies and Hollister police officers searched the area but did not find anyone fitting the description, according to the sheriff’s office.
Investigators spoke with members of the homeless community and discovered Martinez had been seen with him before the incident. Sheriff’s investigators would like to speak to Martinez as a “person of interest,” according to the office, as it is unclear what role he may have played.
The sheriff’s office wants the public’s help in finding Martinez. Anyone with information is encouraged to call a tip line at (831) 636-4084 or 636-4080, and to ask for Detective Sgt. Tony Lamonica.
Look back for more information.
