The Willow Glen Resident

Martin Martinez

Suspect in murder of WG teenager is still at large

Arraignment has been postponed for two men in custody

By Christine Frey

Martin Hernandez Martinez, the third suspect in the murder of 14-year-old Oscar Perez Jr., is still at large, said San Jose Police Sgt. Derek Edwards.

Martinez, 20, is 5 feet, 4 inches tall, weighs 120 pounds and has black hair and brown eyes.

The murder occurred on June 13 when Perez and his girlfriend were walking westbound on Willow Street at 5:40 p.m. According to an affidavit filed by SJPD Det. Pete Ramirez, Gregorio Perez Martinez, 19, drove a white Toyota Celica eastbound past the two. Some occupants of the vehicle allegedly belonged to a Sureño gang and thought Perez was a rival Norteño gang member.

After turning the car around, some of the occupants confronted and attacked Perez, the affidavit said. Saul Hernandez Martinez, 21, allegedly put Perez in a headlock. Then he, Perez Martinez, Martin Hernandez Martinez and at least one, possibly two, girls kicked and punched Perez in the head and body. Martin Hernandez Martinez stabbed Perez in the chest, left forearm, right hand and both legs.

Martin Hernandez Martinez and Saul Hernandez Martinez are brothers, according to the affidavit.

According to court documents, Martinez has two convictions on record. He was convicted of auto theft and possession of burglary tools last year and sentenced to serve eight months in jail. He was also placed on one year's probation and ordered to pay a restitution fine. In February, he was convicted along with Perez Martinez of second-degree burglary. Both were sentenced to serve time in jail and were placed on probation.

Perez Martinez and Saul Hernandez Martinez are both in custody on suspicion of the Perez murder and were scheduled to enter pleas July 9 in Santa Clara County Municipal Court, but the arraignment was postponed until July 30.

Anyone with information regarding Perez's murder should call Ramirez or SJPD Det. Ernie Alcantar at 277-5283. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 947-STOP.

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