***MEDIA ADVISORY***

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 08, 2024

JOSHUA PETER MARTINEZ ARRESTED FOR MURDER AND ATTEMPTED MURDER

Media Contact: Vicki Elaine Becker (574) 296-1888

On November 3, 2024, at around 4:40 a.m., the Elkhart Police Department responded to a shooting with injuries at 754 County Road 3, Elkhart, IN. Upon arrival, officers located a person identified as Romulo Reyes (33 years old) of Elkhart, near the front of the property with an apparent gunshot wound. Despite officers’ efforts to render aid, Reyes succumbed to his injuries at the scene. A second victim, identified as Carlos Martinez (38 years old) of South Bend, was found at the rear of the property also with gunshot wounds. Martinez was immediately transported to Elkhart General Hospital with life threatening injuries. In accordance with protocol, the Elkhart County Homicide Unit was contacted and took over the investigation.

On November 4, 2024, a forensic autopsy was performed on Romulo Reyes at the University of Western Michigan Homer Stryker School of Medicine. His cause of death was determined to be homicide.

During the investigation, Joshua Peter Martinez (24 years old) of Plymouth was identified as a suspect in the shooting death of Romulo Reyes and the shooting of Carlos Martinez. On November 7, 2024, the Elkhart County Homicide Unit arrested Joshua Peter Martinez in Wakarusa for the crimes of murder and attempted murder.

On November 8, 2024, a magistrate found probable cause for the arrest of Martinez for murder and attempted murder. Formal charges are expected to be filed early next week. He will have an initial hearing in the Elkhart Circuit Court on November 14, 2024, and will be held without bond until that time.

At this time, this is an on-going investigation and no further details will be released. If you have any information regarding this event or are aware of individuals who may have additional information, please contact the Elkhart County Homicide Unit at 574-295-2825 or 574-296-1888.

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“Under Indiana law, all persons arrested for a criminal offense are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.”