Arrest Made in 2019 Disappearance of California Teen

STOCKTON, Calif. — A 28-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the case of Victoria Marquina, a 17-year-old student from Sutter Creek who went missing in 2019.

Joshua Martinez, previously considered a suspect in the investigation but released earlier due to insufficient evidence, is now being held without bail in the San Joaquin County Jail, as stated by the county District Attorney’s Office.

Martinez faces charges of murder, statutory rape, and other child molestation offenses following his arrest last Friday.

Victoria was reported missing in October 2019 and hasn’t been seen since. She was from Amador County, but her last recorded phone activity was on October 9 of that year, occurring in San Joaquin County.

The last confirmed sighting of her was with Martinez in Livingston on the same day. Four days later, her abandoned vehicle was discovered in Escalon, about 90 miles east of San Francisco and over 80 miles from her home.

After Victoria’s disappearance, Martinez allegedly fled to Mexico. He reportedly told authorities that he dropped her off in Sutter Creek before leaving.

According to reports, he met her on a dating app and misrepresented her age when he was released from prison in 2020.

The jurisdiction for the case has shifted from Amador County to San Joaquin County due to the location of the abandoned vehicle and additional evidence.

It remains unclear if Martinez has legal representation as of Monday morning. If convicted, he could face life in prison.

Friends and family rallied to raise a $60,000 reward, believing it would help solve the case.

Martinez appeared in court on Monday afternoon, where he was ordered held without bail, although his defense may pursue bail in the future. His next hearing is scheduled for April 6.

San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas is expected to hold a press conference later, alongside officials from Amador County and U.S. Marshals.