When police in Garland, Texas, found a man shot to death in a car back in August 2023, they initially thought 17-year-old Natalie Navarro was a victim of kidnapping. They even issued an Amber Alert, fearing for her safety. But as the investigation unfolded, a shocking truth came to light—Natalie wasn’t a victim; she was a suspect in a robbery and murder.
Fast forward more than a year, and Natalie, now 19, has pleaded guilty to murder. A judge sentenced her to 40 years in prison, giving her credit for the 485 days she’s already spent behind bars.
The tragic story began on the morning of August 29, 2023, in Audubon Park on West Oates Road in Garland. Police received a call about a man who appeared to be unconscious in a car. When they arrived, they found 21-year-old Arturo Peña, who had been shot. Arturo, who lived in nearby Mesquite, had been reported missing two days earlier.
Investigators quickly uncovered a grim plot. Arturo had met Natalie online, and she had lured him to a house, where her boyfriend, Yordy “Jordy” Martinez, then 21, was waiting to rob him. During the robbery, Martinez allegedly shot and killed Arturo.
Detectives pieced together the events and obtained murder warrants for both Natalie and Martinez. While Natalie was arrested and has remained in jail since, Martinez has managed to evade capture. Authorities believe he might have fled to Mexico. In March, police in Laredo, a city on the Mexican border about 450 miles from Garland, reported that Martinez could be in the area.
Martinez already had a criminal record, including a felony charge for allegedly firing a gun into a home in Garland in November 2022. He’s described as having black hair, brown eyes, weighing about 120 pounds, and standing 5 feet, 7 inches tall. He’s also missing a front tooth.
The Garland Police Department is asking for the public’s help in finding Martinez. Anyone with information can contact them at 972-485-4840 or submit an anonymous tip to Garland Crime Stoppers online or by calling 972-272-8477.
As for Arturo, his family continues to mourn the devastating loss. They described him as a hardworking HVAC technician who dedicated himself to supporting his loved ones. His obituary remembered him as someone who brought joy, laughter, and a contagious smile to everyone around him. They hold onto memories of his silly jokes and cheerful spirit, which still bring comfort in his absence.
