Missing California Teen’s Boyfriend Indicted for Her Murder

Almost seven years after a pregnant high school student vanished in California, her boyfriend has been arrested in connection with her murder.

This week, a grand jury charged Joshua Anthony Martinez with murder and misdemeanor sex offenses related to the 2019 disappearance of 17-year-old Victoria Marquina, as announced by the Amador County District Attorney’s Office.

Sadly, Victoria’s remains have never been located.

Ron Freitas, the San Joaquin District Attorney, mentioned that Marquina, now 28, had been a person of interest in the case at first but was later released due to insufficient evidence. He described her relationship with Martinez as “very brief.” They had only met a month before she went missing, and soon after, she was expecting a baby.

Marquina, originally from Amador County, was last seen with Martinez, who was 21 at the time, on October 9, 2019, in Livingston.

Just four days later, authorities found her abandoned vehicle over 80 miles away in Escalon.

Martinez fled to Mexico soon after her disappearance but was extradited back to the U.S. He claimed to police that he dropped off Marquina in Sutter Creek before leaving the country.

Prior to his 2020 release from custody, Martinez told investigators that he had met Marquina via a dating app, alleging that she had misrepresented her age.

Despite the ongoing investigation, Victoria’s family never lost hope. Over the years, they collected a $60,000 reward for any leads regarding her fate.

Freitas confirmed on Monday that “Victoria has died, and we are searching for her body and that of her unborn child,” though her mother, Lance Valencia, clings to hope, believing her daughter might still be alive. “She had a lot of dreams. Unfortunately, someone broke off our relationship. But I still believe and hope that she will come home,” she said.

If convicted of first-degree murder, Martinez could face life in prison. His next court appearance is set for April 6.

As of now, his attorney has not responded to any requests for comments.