Full Notification

Detectives from the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office have arrested three suspects in yesterday’s homicide investigation that occurred in the 4500 block of Porter Creek Rd in Santa Rosa. At about 8:30 AM yesterday the Sheriff’s Office received a call from the California Highway Patrol stating they were out with a suspicious vehicle in that location. The vehicle reportedly had bullet holes and blood was present inside and outside of the vehicle.

Deputies arrived just before 9:00 AM and found a blue Toyota Previa with windows shot out and bullet holes present in the driver’s side of the van. Deputies searched the surrounding area and found a body of a Hispanic male in his mid 30’s down a ravine near the Previa. Detectives were called out and they processed the scene and conducted an investigation.

Evidence located within the vehicle led detectives to a Santa Rosa motel where they were able to get check-in information and surveillance video linking the victim to the primary suspect identified as Maria Guadalupe Torres, a 40 year-old woman from Clearlake.

Detectives went to Lake County and located Torres along with her son, 20-year-old Rene Espinoza Martinez Jr. and her husband, 40-year-old Rene Espinoza Martinez Sr. Through interviews with the parties, detectives learned that Maria Torres had been involved in a lengthy romantic relationship with the victim. Maria’s husband and son recently became aware of this relationship and didn’t approve.

In the early morning hours of September 1st, Maria was with the victim on Porter Creek Rd in the Previa when they pulled over in a dirt turnout in the 4500 block. Maria got out of the Previa as Maria’s husband and son pulled over in their car alongside them. They fired a gun from their car into the driver side of the Previa. The victim was shot and fled out the passenger side of the Previa. He ran to the ravine where he fell and was left for dead.

At this time we aren’t releasing details of who shot the victim, however all three of the family members acted in concert in the homicide and were arrested and booked for homicide and conspiracy. They are currently being booked into the Sonoma County Jail and will be held without bail.

The victim’s family has not been notified yet so his name is also being withheld. Detectives are still seeking to interview witnesses and will release more information it becomes available.

Prepared By: Sgt. Spencer Crum
CR 170901-001
Media Inquiries: 707-565-3941