That's the word from 9News, which reported last night from Romero's home, where Martinez's body was discovered -- and where a vigil attended by approximately 200 people was held in her honor. Look below to see the station's report about the memorial, as well as our previous posts about this crime -- including the statement from the coroner's office:
Update, 12:44 p.m. October 26: The worst fears of Alicia Martinez's family and friends have been realized. Martinez, sixteen, was reported missing, and in their search for her, Denver Police officers discovered the body of a young woman -- and arrested Edward Timothy Romero on investigation of homicide.
Now, the Denver coroner confirms Martinez was the victim.
Here's the release from the coroner's office:
On October 25, 2010, the Denver Office of the Medical Examiner responded to [the 4100 block of] Decatur Street in Denver on a report of a death. The identity of the decedent has been confirmed to be Ms. Alicia V. Martinez, date of birth Feb. 9, 1994. The manner of death has been ruled a homicide but the cause of death is pending at this time. There has been some disfigurement of the body, and the autopsy is ongoing. Questions regarding the investigation should be referred to the Denver Police Department.
Look below to read our initial post about this tragic story:
Original item, 6:58 a.m. October 26: On Sunday, the Denver Police Department officers identified Edward Timothy Romero, 26, as a suspect in the case of a missing sixteen-year-old girl. They soon found Romero, as well as a dead young woman.
The DPD has not yet confirmed the victim's identity, but Alicia Martinez, sixteen, was reported missing nearby.
Look below to see the official DPD release on the crime, as well as an interactive graphic showing the area near the scene. If you have problems seeing the image, click "See Larger Map."
Denver Police Department release:
On October 24, 2010, Denver Police began an investigation into a missing 16-year old female. Police determined through interviews that missing teen might be dead. Detectives identified a suspect and obtained a warrant for his arrest. Investigators identified the suspect as Edward Timothy Romero, 4/24/1984. Members of the Denver Police Department arrested Romero at 41st Avenue and Clay Street without incident. During a search of the crime scene, [on the 4100 block of] Decatur Street, detectives discovered the body of a young female.Romero is currently held in the Denver City Jail for investigation of 1st degree murder. The mug shot of Romero is not being released at this time pending further investigation.
The identity of the victim and the cause of her death are not being released at this time pending the autopsy and notification of next of kin by the Office of the Medical Examiner.
View Larger Map
More from our Mile High Murder archive: "Liz Tomocik: Shooter in Gerald Cler murder-suicide worked at Attorney General's office (25)."
