Ernesto Martinez is a Mexican American
on death row in the state of Arizona. He was convicted on 08/18/1998.
Crime
According to the DOC, On March 31,
2006, Gilbert Martinez and Robert Arbolida broke into the residence
of Betty and Laurel Liedtke. At the time of the burglary, the
Liedtke's had visitors staying at their house, Betty's two daughters,
Colleen Jark and Karen Bell. Additionally, both of Betty's daughters'
spouses, Vern Jark and Forrest Bell, came along for the visit. When
Martinez and Arbolida gained entrance into the residence, they made
their way to Laurel and Betty's room and subsequently encountered the
elderly couple. Laurel tried to get them to leave by pushing them and
telling them to get out. A struggle between Laurel and Martinez
ensued and Martinez pushed Laurel down and hit him in the head with a
gun. The intruders then forced the Liedtke's into the room where
Karen and her spouse Forrest were staying. Martinez continued to
struggle and fight with Laurel and also hit Forrest near his eye with
the gun. As Arbolida held everyone in the room captive, Martinez went
to find any others in the house. Colleen and Vern, who were in the
other guest room, had awakened to the loud sounds of the scuffling.
As it was imminently clear that Vern and Colleen would likely be
attacked next, Vern told Colleen to hide in the closet and attempt to
call for help. Vern went out to the hallway where he encountered
Martinez. They fought, and Martinez fatally shot him. The intruders
were both arrested days later. Martinez was sentenced to death for
the murder. Arbolida testified against Martinez and received a life
sentence. Prior to the capital trial, Martinez was also tried and
convicted of several other burglaries which resulted in a 99 year
sentence.
Address
ASPC-F CENTRAL D/RW
Ernesto Martinez 096032
PO Box 8200
Florence, AZ 85132
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