West Valley City, Utah—A convicted gang member, identified as Jesus Adolfo Valdez Jr., has been sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for the 2020 murder of Melbin “Tony” Martinez, a 39-year-old handyman. Valdez, a known member of the Surenos 13 gang, committed the crime after becoming agitated by construction noise from Martinez’s work on a neighboring property.
Incident Details
On May 28, 2020, Martinez was working on a home near 2897 S. 3050 West in West Valley City. Valdez, reportedly disturbed by the construction noise, confronted Martinez and shot him multiple times, resulting in his death at the scene.
Investigation and Arrest
Following the shooting, Valdez was identified as the suspect and taken into custody. During court proceedings, it was noted that Valdez had “187” tattooed on the back of his head—a number associated with the California Penal Code for murder, indicating a possible premeditation or pride in the act.
Legal Proceedings
In September 2024, Valdez pleaded guilty to first-degree felony murder. Subsequently, in October, he was sentenced to a term of 15 years to life in the Utah State Prison. The court acknowledged his extensive criminal history, including previous violent offenses and gang affiliations.
Community Reaction
The sentencing brought a measure of closure to Martinez’s family, who emphasized that he “did absolutely nothing to provoke” the attack. The community expressed outrage over the senseless violence, highlighting concerns about gang activity and the safety of individuals performing their jobs.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. For official updates, please refer to statements from local law enforcement and authorized agencies.
