Man Charged With Murder of Teen Who Vanished in 2019

Joshua Martinez arrested for murder of Victoria Marquina, who disappeared in 2019

Mar. 16, 2026 at 9:05pm

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A California man named Joshua Martinez has been arrested and charged with murder in connection to the 2019 disappearance of 17-year-old Victoria Marquina. Marquina was first reported missing in October 2019, and her body has never been found. Martinez was an early suspect in the case but was released in 2020 due to lack of evidence. He was recently re-arrested on a murder charge, as well as statutory rape and other child sex allegations.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges in solving missing persons cases, especially when a body is never recovered. It also raises questions about the criminal justice system's handling of suspects and the need for thorough investigations to ensure justice is served for victims and their families.

The details

According to authorities, Martinez was arrested on Friday, March 13, on a murder charge, a statutory rape charge and other child sex allegations. Marquina was first reported missing in October 2019, and her abandoned car was found about 50 miles from her home in Escalon, California four days later. After Marquina disappeared, Martinez allegedly fled to Mexico, claiming he had received death threats. He was previously arrested in June 2019 on charges related to sex with a minor, but those charges were later dropped in December 2020.

  • Marquina was first reported missing in October 2019.
  • Marquina's abandoned car was found about 50 miles from her home on October 13, 2019.
  • Martinez was arrested in June 2019 on charges related to sex with a minor.
  • The charges against Martinez were dropped in December 2020.
  • Martinez was re-arrested on March 13, 2026 on a murder charge and other allegations.

The players

Joshua Martinez

A 28-year-old California man who has been arrested and charged with murder in connection to the 2019 disappearance of 17-year-old Victoria Marquina.

Victoria Marquina

A 17-year-old girl who went missing in October 2019. Her body has never been found.

Blanca Marquina

The mother of Victoria Marquina, who believes Martinez killed her daughter despite the initial charges being dropped.

Gary Redman

The County Undersheriff who expressed frustration that the initial charges against Martinez were dropped in 2020, saying the family wanted closure and a conviction.

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What they’re saying

“He did it. I'm sure.”

— Blanca Marquina, Mother of Victoria Marquina

“It is frustrating. It's heartbreaking for the family, we really want closure and our goal was a conviction.”

— Gary Redman, County Undersheriff

What’s next

Martinez is scheduled to appear in court again after his recent arrest, and a press conference was planned to provide updates on the case.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in solving missing persons cases, especially when a body is never recovered. It underscores the need for thorough investigations and the importance of providing closure and justice for victims' families.