Cousins Arrested After Teen’s Body Found Wrapped in Comforter Near Highway in Shocking Connecticut Case
On the morning of Saturday, November 9, around 7:09 a.m., police in Hartford, Connecticut, got a report about a body lying by the road near 80 Pope Park Highway. When the officers arrived, they found 18-year-old Edgar Josué Chiche Martínez, who was wrapped up in a blanket. It was a tragic discovery because Edgar was only days away from turning 19 on November 14.
After inspecting the scene, police noticed that Edgar had been shot. They believed his body had been left there about 24 hours before it was found. As they continued investigating, they followed leads that took them to an apartment at 158 Magnolia Street. Police think this is where Edgar was actually shot.
Edgar had been living with some of his cousins at that Magnolia Street apartment. Sadly, after he died, police charged two of his cousins in connection with his death. The first suspect is Sender Soto-Veliz, who is 21 years old. He’s been charged with helping to hide the crime and tampering with evidence.
His bail was set at $500,000, which is the amount of money he would need to pay if he wanted to be released while waiting for his court date. The second suspect is a 17-year-old boy, whose name is not being shared because he is underage. The 17-year-old has been charged with murder and also with tampering with evidence. Police believe that Soto-Veliz helped the teenager hide Edgar’s body.
Edgar’s family is heartbroken. His aunt, Verónica Imelda Martínez Mayen, said they are seeking justice for Edgar. She said, “We want justice here on Earth, but we know God’s justice will come, too.” She described Edgar as a friendly person who tried to avoid trouble. Edgar’s sister, Nimsa Martínez, shared a heartfelt message, remembering her brother as someone who always looked out for her, even when he was struggling himself. She said, “I’ll remember him as the most beautiful person I could’ve ever known.”
Later that same day, around 7:35 p.m., the police spotted the car that the suspects were using. They saw it driving along Park Terrace, so they stopped the car and took both suspects into custody. Now, they are waiting to go to court, and it’s likely that the 17-year-old’s case will be moved to adult court because of the seriousness of the charges.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has not yet given more details about Edgar’s cause of death or the injuries he had. This office handles autopsies and medical examinations in cases like this, and their findings can provide important information in the investigation.
