Jury convicts Alcalde man in mother’s beating death

Martinez was also found guilty of sex charges

A Rio Arriba County jury convicted an Alcalde man of second-degree murder Thursday in connection with the 2021 beating death of his mother.

Jurors also convicted Erick Martinez, 46, of two counts of third-degree criminal sexual penetration, tampering with evidence and other charges following a jury trial in Tierra Amarilla, First Judicial District Attorney spokesman Nathan Lederman wrote in an email.

Martinez faces about 20 years in prison when he is sentenced.

The victim, 74-year-old Cora Martinez, had previously reported domestic disputes with her son, according to online court records.

Police responded to Cora Martinez’s home at about 5 p.m. Aug. 2, 2021, in response to a call from a relative reporting the woman was unconscious and injured, according to an affidavit for arrest warrant.

When officers arrived, they found Cora Martinez on a bed covered with blankets with bruising throughout her face and body.

Family members who were in Cora Martinez’s home at the time of the attack told police Erick Martinez arrived at the home the night before and started arguing with his mother. Soon, they heard screams.

One family member said they covered their ears and prayed as the attack ensued, according to the affidavit.

Erick Martinez was not there when police arrived, but when they caught up with the Alcalde man, he said they’d argued over whether he could borrow her car and the argument escalated. He told police when he returned later that night, his mother was dead in bed with blue lips, the affidavit says.

Erick Martinez’s attorney could not be reached for comment Thursday after the jury returned its verdict.

Lederman wrote District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies commended Chief Deputy DA Anthony Long, senior trial attorney Nancy Cortesi, support staff and officers with the Española Police Department and New Mexico State Police for their efforts.