Sept. 26, 2013 By Christian Murray
A man has been indicted for raping and murdering a 23-year-old Astoria woman in a case that goes back to 2009, after matching the suspect’s DNA with evidence left at the crime scene.
Jose Martinez, a former Queens resident, allegedly walked the victim—Carmen Saldana—to her Astoria apartment on July 12, 2009, after meeting her on the street following a party in Long Island City.
Martinez asked to go in to her home, according to the district attorney’s office. However, when she refused, Martinez kicked in her door and forced his way into her apartment where he allegedly raped and murdered her.
“She had a bright and promising future which was abruptly cut short by her brutal and senseless murder,” District Attorney Richard A. Brown said in a statement.
Martinez was apprehended as a result of a DNA hit– following a 2012 conviction for attacking a cab driver at LaGuardia Airport. That sample was matched to DNA found at the four-year-old crime scene.
Martinez was arraigned today on a 15-count indictment, including charges of second-degree murder, predatory sexual assault, first-degree kidnapping and first-degree rape.
The judge ordered the defendant held without bail and to return to court on November 20, 2013. He faces up to 25 years to life in prison if convicted.
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I hope he rots in hell for taking that poor girls life. It could have been me, a niece, a cousin, my mom…..