Illegal migrant accused of Anaheim murder extradited from Mexico
An illegal migrant accused of murder has finally been brought to justice after years on the run. Humberto Rodriguez Martinez, 39, was extradited from Mexico to face charges of stabbing his ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriend to death in Anaheim nearly a decade ago.
The gruesome incident occurred back in October of 2017 when Martinez allegedly visited his ex-girlfriend’s apartment to help watch their children. Later that night, her new boyfriend, Reyes, was chased and fatally stabbed nearby. Martinez’s accomplice, who later pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, was sentenced to 15 years to life.
Martinez, a Mexican national, has maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty to the charges. Despite his plea, he will remain held without bail in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement as his case proceeds through the legal system.
Anaheim Police Chief Manuel Cid expressed his commitment to seeking justice for the victim’s family, 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.”
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer also emphasized the importance of bringing Martinez to trial, saying, “The pursuit of justice will never be derailed by time or distance. The long arm of Orange County law enforcement reaches to every corner of the earth to ensure the full weight of the law is felt by those who commit the most heinous acts of violence against other human beings.”
After years of evading capture, Martinez was finally located and arrested by Mexican officials in a joint operation with the U.S. Marshals Service. He was subsequently extradited in 2024 with the coordination of the U.S. Department of Justice. Anaheim police took him into custody upon his arrival at Los Angeles International Airport.
The extradition of Martinez serves as a testament to the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies to bring perpetrators of violent crimes to justice, no matter where they may flee. As the legal proceedings continue, the hope is that the victim’s family will find some closure and that justice will be served for the senseless loss of life.
