Martinez charged in murder investigation

Martinez charged in murder investigation Brian Smith Wed, 04/24/2024 - 7:23 am   Lee Martinez Jacksboro Police Department arrested Lee Martinez last Tuesday on a charge of murder related to an investigation into a reported unintended death. The investigation began just before noon Tuesday, April 16 in the 400 block of North 4th Street, according to a press release from JPD Chief Bryan Corb. Police responded to a residence regarding a reported unintended death. Corb said when officers arrived they observed a male subject, later identified as Lee Martinez, 35, sitting in a chair on the porch and the front door of the residence open. As officers approached, they discovered a female’s body lying face down on the floor who was found to be deceased. The female was identified as Martinez’ mother, Maria Quintanar, 60. “Upon further investigation, it was determined the female had been beaten to death,” Corb said. “The male subject was found to have injuries on his hand consistent with the incident.” Quintanar and Martinez lived in the same residence, but no further details were available. Martinez was arrested Tuesday and transported to the Jack County Jail for holding. As of Wednesday, Martinez’ bond had been denied. Corb said the incident occurred sometime in the pre-dawn hours of Tuesday morning and an autopsy has been ordered. Martinez is also the brother of Nancy Smith, who was found dead on the side of US Hwy. 281 South in September 2022 at the age of 26. According to Smith’s obituary, she was survived by her mother, Maria Isabel Quintanar Smith. According to local authorities, Smith’s case was turned over to the Texas Department of Public Safety Texas Rangers, and is still under investigation. Details regarding the possible connection to Smith’s death have not been confirmed, but information has been requested from DPS. Further details regarding both cases will be released as they become available.