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Murder Trial Hinges on Contradictory Witness
18 Jul
Summary
- A murder trial is underway for Marco Martza, accused in a 2017 killing.
- Key evidence includes DNA on shell casings and testimony from Martza's ex-girlfriend.
- The ex-girlfriend changed her story multiple times before a plea deal.
Marco Martza is on trial for the first-degree murder and armed robbery of 19-year-old Jon Paul Carabajal in Northeast Albuquerque. Prosecutors allege Martza fatally shot Carabajal in the head during a drug deal gone wrong in April 2017. Evidence presented includes DNA found on .40-caliber shell casings recovered near the victim's body, which prosecutors say matches Martza.
The defense contends that the DNA evidence is insufficient to place Martza at the scene and highlights the testimony of Martza's ex-girlfriend, Daisy Ortiz. Ortiz, who was also charged with murder, has altered her account of events multiple times. She recently pleaded no contest to tampering with evidence and possession of a controlled substance, with murder and armed robbery charges dismissed. Her plea agreement is a significant factor in the defense's argument.
Investigators linked Martza and Ortiz to the 2017 crime in 2024 after a firm conducted DNA tests on shell casings. Martza reportedly told detectives he robbed drug dealers, admitting he knew Carabajal was one. The defense questions the reliability of Ortiz's testimony, suggesting she tailored her story after learning her DNA was found on a shell casing.
