Murder victim’s sister testifies

By Bill Donovan
Staff writer

GALLUP — A 23-year-old Gallup man arrested for the murder of his 31-year-old wife last November was bound over to District Court Friday.

Alvin Martinez is now facing second-degree murder charges in connection with the death of his wife, Olivia Martinez. He remains in custody in lieu of $100,000 cash only bond.

Testimony at the preliminary hearing, which was held on Dec. 20 and then concluded last Friday, centered on events that occurred at the Martinez home on Pershing Avenue on Nov. 7, 2007.

The victim’s sister, Lanita Hammitt, testified that her sister and Alvin Martinez had been drinking at the American Bar and fighting throughout the day. They left for home about 3:30 p.m., and Alvin and Olivia went into their home while Hammitt stayed outside for a while.

Hammitt testified that when she went in, Alvin Martinez was leaving and her sister was lying down on the bedroom floor. Thinking that she was just drunk, Hammitt said she left her there. At about 6:30 p.m. when she still hadn’t moved, she went to her sister and lifted up her hand and realized she was dead.

That testimony occurred on Dec. 20. Testimony last Friday consisted mostly of medical evidence with medical authorities saying that the victim had died from six blunt strikes to the head area. She also showed signs of strangulation.

Monday
January 21, 2008
Selected Stories:

Murder victim’s sister testifies

Navajo casino cash nears payout

Grants council race questioned

Ramah folks kick up their Irish heels

Deaths

Native American [News]
Stories published in today’s edition of the Independent

| Home | Daily News | Archive | Subscribe |