Mother Sentenced After Horrific Murder of 10-Year-Old Daughter

URGENT UPDATE: A mother has been sentenced after the tragic murder of her 10-year-old daughter, Victoria Martens, in a horrifying case that has shocked the community of Albuquerque, New Mexico. In a disturbing turn of events, Michelle Martens received a sentence of 12 years in prison on October 14, 2023, following her admission of child abuse leading to death.

The case, which dates back to 2018, revealed shocking details of abuse and violence. Victoria was strangled to death on her birthday, sexually assaulted, and then dismembered while her mother allegedly watched. On the night of the incident, police responded to a 911 call about a domestic dispute and arrived to find Victoria’s remains partially wrapped in a burning blanket at her mother’s residence.

According to reports from ABC7Chicago, Michelle, along with her boyfriend Fabian Gonzales, 31, and his cousin Jessica Kelley, 31, were arrested at the scene. They faced multiple charges, including first-degree murder and child abuse resulting in grievous bodily harm. All pleaded not guilty, but Michelle later accepted a plea bargain.

The investigation uncovered that Michelle had allowed men to abuse her daughter, with search warrants revealing she sought out individuals online for this purpose. The autopsy indicated that Victoria had only alcohol in her system, contrary to earlier claims of drug use, raising serious questions about the circumstances surrounding her death.

Fabian Gonzales initially faced severe charges, including second-degree murder, but saw several charges dropped. Ultimately, he was sentenced to 37.5 years in prison, with eligibility for parole after serving half his term. Jessica Kelley received a sentence of 44 years for her role in the abuse.

As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, the emotional impact remains profound. Victims’ advocates are calling for increased awareness and protection for vulnerable children, highlighting the need for systemic change to prevent such horrific incidents in the future.

The public is urged to stay informed as the developments from this case continue to unfold. Authorities are still investigating the identities of other individuals implicated in the abuse of Victoria, and there is ongoing discussion about the adequacy of the justice system in handling such grievous offenses.

This case serves as a chilling reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by children and the urgent need for vigilance and advocacy in protecting their rights.