New Rochelle 'Jupiter Joe' Sentenced for 1999 Murder of 13-Year-Old Girl

The case was the first in NYC solved using familial DNA, bringing closure after over 20 years.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 12:48am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a twisted, rusted metal object against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing a piece of physical evidence from the crime scene.Relentless detective work and advanced DNA technology finally brought closure to a decades-old murder case in New Rochelle.New Rochelle Today

Joseph Martinez, known as 'Jupiter Joe' for teaching astronomy to local children, was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the 1999 murder of 13-year-old Minerliz Soriano. Martinez was found guilty by a jury in 2025 after DNA evidence linked him to the crime, which had gone unsolved for over two decades.

Why it matters

This case highlights the power of advanced DNA technology in solving cold cases, even decades later. It also underscores the importance of perseverance and dedication by law enforcement in pursuing justice for victims and their families, no matter how much time has passed.

The details

On February 24, 1999, Minerliz Soriano went missing after leaving school. Her body was found four days later, bound and wrapped in plastic, in a dumpster in Co-op City. She had been sexually assaulted and her death was ruled a homicide by neck compression. The case went unsolved until 2021, when police arrested the then-49-year-old Martinez based on a familial DNA match from evidence found on the victim's sweatshirt. Martinez had maintained a public persona as 'Jupiter Joe', teaching astronomy to local children, in the years since the killing.

  • On February 24, 1999, Minerliz Soriano went missing after leaving school.
  • On February 28, 1999, Minerliz Soriano's body was found in a dumpster.
  • In November 2021, police arrested Joseph Martinez on murder charges.
  • In November 2025, Martinez was found guilty by a jury.
  • On March 31, 2026, Martinez was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison.

The players

Joseph Martinez

Also known as 'Jupiter Joe', a 54-year-old New Rochelle resident who was convicted of the 1999 murder of 13-year-old Minerliz Soriano.

Minerliz Soriano

A 13-year-old girl who was sexually assaulted and murdered in 1999, her body found wrapped in plastic in a dumpster.

Darcel D. Clark

The Bronx District Attorney who announced Martinez's sentencing.

John Creegan

The commander of the major crimes unit in the Bronx at the time of Soriano's disappearance and murder.

John Miras

The Assistant District Attorney who prosecuted the case against Martinez.

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What they’re saying

“The defendant sexually abused Minerliz and killed her. He left her body in a dumpster in Co-op City, where she was found on February 28, 1999. Bronx detectives and my ADAs never gave up in the quest for justice for this beautiful little girl. Their relentless dedication and compassion, coupled with advanced technology in DNA, led to the arrest and conviction.”

— Darcel D. Clark, Bronx District Attorney

“Today is the final chapter, after 26 years of anguish, and I hope this sentence brings solace to Minerliz' family and the childhood friend who compellingly testified at trial. Minerliz' dream of flying to the stars as an astronaut was dashed, but her light will never dim for her loved ones.”

— Darcel D. Clark, Bronx District Attorney

What’s next

The judge's decision on whether to allow Martinez to be released on bail is expected on Tuesday.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of advanced forensic techniques like familial DNA in solving cold cases, as well as the dedication of law enforcement in pursuing justice for victims, even decades later. It also underscores the tragic loss of a young life and the lasting impact on a community.