Joseph Martinez, 46, has been arrested for San Jose’s 13th homicide of the year, according to the San Jose Police Department. Martinez was extradited from Reno, Nevada, on November 21, 2024, and booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail for murder.
The case began on May 9, 2024, when officers responded to a shooting at an unhoused encampment near McLaughlin Avenue and HWY 280. The victim, an adult male, suffered gunshot wounds, was hospitalized in critical condition, and died three days later on May 12.
“Martinez was identified as the suspect during the initial investigation but fled the scene before police arrived,” authorities stated. He was later arrested in Reno on October 31, 2024, for an unrelated crime.
The Homicide Unit’s investigation led to his connection to the San Jose case. While the motive remains unclear, the victim’s identity will be released after next of kin are notified.
Police urge anyone with information to contact Detective Sergeant Taylor or Detective Harrington at 408-277-5283. Anonymous tips can also be submitted via the P3TIPS app or Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers, with cash rewards available.
