DA: 16-year-old arrested, charged in Dinuba teacher death

TULARE COUNTY, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) –  A 16-year-old is being charged with the murder of a well-known Dinuba middle school teacher who was found shot to death inside his home in the early morning of November 6, 2023, according to the Tulare County District Attorney.

According to the DA’s office, the juvenile was 15 years old at the time. The unidentified juvenile is being charged with murder and the special allegations of burglary, personal and intentional discharge of a firearm, and use of a firearm. Additionally, the defendant is charged with misdemeanor receiving stolen property.

Officials say two other adults, 21-year-old Jorge Arrieta and 20-year-old Joseph Garcia were also charged with felony second-degree burglary and felony accessory after the fact . Arrieta is further charged with misdemeanor receiving stolen property. The men are charged for their alleged conduct of entering the victim’s house after Martin’s death occurred.

Both were arrested without incident on April 26, 2024, officials say.

According to the DA under California law, the juvenile cannot be tried as an adult because he was 15 years old at the time of the crime. State law also dictates that the juvenile can only remain in custody until the age of 25 if convicted.

The victim, identified as 50-year-old, Sergio Martin , taught Spanish at El Monte Middle School in Orosi. He was remembered as a person who lit up a room and chose kindness every day .

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