After an eight-year international flight, a man has been brought to face charges in connection with a fatal stabbing in Orange County. This case highlights the enduring pursuit of justice, even across borders, and the complexities of international extradition.
The Long Arm of the law: A Murder Case Solved
Humberto Rodriguez Martinez, 39, now stands accused of fatally stabbing Daniel Reyes, 32, in 2017.Prosecutors allege Martinez conspired with an associate to carry out the attack, motivated by jealousy following a breakup with Reyes’ girlfriend. I’ve found that cases involving jealousy often escalate quickly, making them especially tragic and difficult to investigate.
The incident unfolded outside the ex-girlfriend’s apartment,where martinez and his accomplice allegedly lay in wait for Reyes. Martinez, a mexican citizen unlawfully present in the U.S. at the time, remained a fugitive for years, evading law enforcement despite a $2 million warrant for his arrest.
Law enforcement initially recovered Martinez’s vehicle in San Diego,but his whereabouts remained unknown until recently. His associate, Adan Zapot-Leyva, was apprehended shortly after the attack and, in 2023, received a sentence of 15 years to life in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder. This demonstrates the importance of accomplice testimony in building a strong case.
A collaborative effort between Mexican authorities and the U.S. Marshals Service finally led to Martinez’s apprehension in Mexico in 2024. On December 4th, he was extradited to the United States and taken into custody by detectives from the Anaheim Police Department at Los Angeles International Airport. He entered a plea of not guilty to the murder charge on Tuesday and is currently being held without bail.
Anaheim Police Chief Manny Cid emphasized the department’s unwavering commitment to justice, stating, This arrest does not undo the pain the victim’s family has endured, but it reinforces our commitment and promise to our community: We will never stop working until justice is served.
This sentiment underscores the dedication of law enforcement to providing closure for victims’ families.
A Deliberate and Premeditated Act
Prosecutors contend that Martinez meticulously planned the murder, driven by intense jealousy. The evidence suggests a calculated attempt to eliminate a romantic rival. According to court documents, Martinez and his ex-girlfriend shared two children and were engaged in co-parenting arrangements when the tragic events transpired.
On October 17, 2017, the pair visited the ex-girlfriend’s residence to care for their children while she was at work. Upon her return around 8:30 p.m., they departed, only for Reyes to arrive approximately 30 minutes later. The following morning, Anaheim police responded to reports of a stabbing at the intersection of Santa Ana and helena streets.
Witnesses described seeing two men pursuing reyes before one of them inflicted fatal wounds.Reyes tragically died at the scene. Zapot-leyva’s subsequent testimony revealed a disturbing level of premeditation. He stated that they surveilled the apartment for hours, knowing Reyes was inside.
The ex-girlfriend unknowingly played a role in the deception, as Zapot-Leyva deliberately misled her about their location, creating a false sense of security for Reyes. Once Reyes emerged from the apartment, the two men attacked, with Martinez allegedly stabbing him ten times. Reyes desperately pleaded for his life, reportedly saying, please don’t … I have children.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer affirmed the relentless pursuit of justice, stating, The pursuit of justice will never be derailed by time or distance.
He also expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of investigators, prosecutors, and international partners in bringing the suspect back to Orange County.
