A San Mateo County jury has found Jose Enrique Uriarte Martinez, 45, guilty of murdering Yesenia Lopez Hernandez in front of her 17-year-old daughter. The verdict was delivered on Tuesday, following a two-week trial where jurors heard testimony from 18 witnesses.
Martinez was convicted of first-degree murder for killing Hernandez, 41, and attempted murder for stabbing her teenage daughter. Prosecutors revealed that he expressed remorse to his 5-year-old son immediately after committing the crime in Redwood City, suggesting that jealousy was a motive for the attack. Hernandez’s daughter later stated that Martinez “ended her life out of jealousy.”
The relationship between Martinez and Hernandez had been tumultuous; Hernandez had an active restraining order against him due to previous domestic violence incidents. Despite their separation, they shared a son. In the summer of 2023, Hernandez informed Martinez of her plans to relocate with their child, leading to escalating tensions.
The attack occurred on July 30, 2023, around 12:30 a.m. Martinez gained entry to Hernandez’s apartment using a key and began assaulting her with a knife. In a desperate attempt to protect her mother, Hernandez’s daughter was also stabbed. The District Attorney’s Office reported that Martinez inflicted multiple stab wounds on both victims.
When sheriff’s deputies arrived, they found Hernandez and her daughter still alive but suffering from severe injuries. Martinez was discovered nearby, covered in blood.
Hernandez succumbed to her injuries at a hospital, while her daughter survived the attack. Martinez is scheduled for sentencing on December 13, presided over by Judge Kevin Dunleavy.
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