Cousins of Murdered Teen Arrested After His Body Is Found Wrapped in Comforter Near Highway

Mar. 15, 2025

Edgar Josué Chiche Martínez.Photo:GoFundMe

GoFundMe

The cousins of a Connecticut teenager whose body was found wrapped in a comforter on the side of the highway have been charged following his death, PEOPLE can confirm.

Police identified the victim as Edgar Josué Chiche Martínez, of Hartford, who was days away from celebrating his 19th birthday on Nov. 14 when he died.

“The Hartford Police Major Crimes and Crime Scene Divisions responded and began an investigation. The body was transported to The Chief Medical Examiner’s Office, where it was learned that the victim was suffering from apparent gunshot wounds,” the police release said.

The victim’s family toldNBC Connecticutthat the late teenager lived in the Magnolia Street property with his cousins, who have been charged following his death.

Soto-Veliz’s bond has been set at $500,000, the release stated. He is suspected of helping the unnamed teenager dispose of the body, police lieutenant Aaron Boisvert confirmed to PEOPLE.

158 Magnolia Street in Hartford, Connecticut.Google Maps

Google Maps

“What we do want is for earthly justice to be made because God’s justice is on the other side,” the victim’s aunt, Verónica Imelda Martínez Mayen, told NBC Connecticut on Monday.

“He stayed away from parties, [he was] very friendly,” she added, insisting Martínez wasn’t one to get into trouble.

Hartford Police

The victim’s sister, Nimsa Martínez, told the outlet, “He was the person who always took care of me, despite him not being OK. I’m going to remember him as the most beautiful person I could’ve ever known.”

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Hartford Police vehicle.WTNH News8/Youtube

WTNH News8/Youtube

After the victim’s body was found, the two suspects were located later on Saturday at around 7:35 p.m. driving along Park Terrace, police said in the release.

The release stated, “At approximately 7:35 p.m., members of the Hartford Police Vice and Narcotics Division, Community Patrol Division and Southwest Community Service Officers located the suspect vehicle traveling on Park Terrace.”

“The suspect vehicle was stopped and the suspects were taken into custody,” it added.

The teenager facing charges is expected to have his case transferred to adult court, Boisvert told PEOPLE.

source: people.com