Oscar Martinez III Closing Arguments and Verdict

During day three of the trial, we heard from some of the crime scene investigators, tool mark experts, the medical examiner, and the investigator in this case. No one has yet placed a weapon in Oscar's hands.

Today we will hear closing arguments and see what the verdict is. As I've said many times throughout this short trial, charge them all, or don't charge any of them. Jerry Ortiz fired the rounds that took two lives and faces no charges. Oscar has maintained he didn't hold or fire a weapon and is being charged with taking both lives.

On February 21, 2022, Oscar Martinez III, then 19, along with Joshua Mejia, then 17, as well as three of Joshua's younger siblings allegedly robbed Jerry Ortiz, then 17, who met them at a convenience store to buy marijuana. Jerry Ortiz was reportedly robbed at gunpoint, he handed over the drugs and his shoes, before Christopher Mejia, 14, emerged from the SUV, tried to take Jerry Ortiz's gun, and was shot by Ortiz.

Christopher Mejia was critically wounded and passed away shortly after that. Enrique Venegas Bocanegra, 66, was in his home making lunch when he was struck by a stray bullet and passed away from his injuries. Both bullets were fired from Jerry Ortiz's gun.

Although Oscar Martinez never fired his gun, the state of Texas originally charged him with capital murder, along with the three other juveniles in the SUV. That would mean life in prison if convicted. Eventually, the charges were reduced to murder, times 2, and aggravated robbery.