Martinez's relatives talk about Modesto murders

Lilian Kim Image
ByLilian Kim KGO logo
Monday, July 20, 2015
Family talks about Modesto murder suspect
Relatives of Martin Martinez spoke about his arrest on Sunday following the murders in Modesto.

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- Martin Martinez was arrested for allegedly killing his ex-girlfriend, his mother, his 6-month-old baby girl, and two other young girls, ages 5 and 6, whose bodies were found in a Modesto home on Saturday.

Martinez's cousin, Gina Martinez, spoke publicly about the Modesto murders. She says he lived and grew up in East San Jose.

Gina said, "I just want to see him, ask him, 'What's going on? What's happening here?'"

Martinez's family says they are shocked by his arrest.

"I'm seeing all this stuff on social media like, 'Oh, we need to call immigration.' No, he's an American citizen. He was born here in San Jose," Gina Martinez said. "My uncle was a single father to both his sons, a great father, raised them in a great, loving home."

Yet despite all that's developed over the past few days, family members say Martinez is innocent until proven guilty. Last they remember, he and Crews seemed to be a loving couple when they attended a family funeral last year.

"When I met her she was pregnant with the baby, and he was so excited, very excited to have a baby." Gina Martinez said.

Martinez will remain at the Santa Clara County Jail until he's transferred back to Modesto later this week for his arraignment.

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