A 28-year-old man, Joshua Martinez, has been charged with murder in the 2019 disappearance of a pregnant high school student, Victoria Marquina, whose body has never been found. Authorities in Northern California announced the charges this week, bringing new developments to a case that had remained unsolved for years.
The Disappearance of Victoria Marquina
Victoria Marquina, a 16-year-old student, disappeared in October 2019 after leaving her home in Sutter Creek, located about 45 miles southeast of Sacramento. At the time of her disappearance, she was several months pregnant. Martinez and Marquina had been in a brief and unlawful relationship in the weeks leading up to her disappearance.
Marquina was last seen with Martinez in Livingston on October 9, 2019. Four days later, her car was discovered abandoned in Escalon, over 50 miles from her home in Amador County. Her phone was later found in San Joaquin County, but despite these discoveries, her remains have never been located.
Charges Against Joshua Martinez
Joshua Martinez was arrested on March 12 and is currently being held without bail at the San Joaquin County Jail. He has been indicted by a San Joaquin County grand jury on four felony charges, including murder, in connection with Marquina’s disappearance. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of life in prison.
San Joaquin District Attorney Ron Freitas told the media that Marquina and Martinez had been in a very short and unlawful relationship, during which she became pregnant. Investigators believe Marquina is dead and are still searching for her and her unborn child.
Investigation and New Developments
Authorities stated that new information and advancements in technology in the past year helped lead to the murder indictment, after an earlier arrest of Martinez in connection with the case did not result in charges. However, investigators have not publicly disclosed the specific new evidence that led to the indictment.
Prosecutors and Marquina’s family are urging anyone with information about her remains to come forward and contact law enforcement.
Court Proceedings and Next Steps
Joshua Martinez is scheduled to appear in court on April 6, where he will face the charges in front of a judge. The case is still under investigation, and authorities are committed to finding justice for Marquina and her unborn child.
