Two suspects wanted in connection with a grocery store parking lot murder in North Texas were nabbed in Kansas, officials said. The duo accused of fatally shooting 30-year-old Eric Martiz Hill Jr. in Haltom City were arrested over 300 miles away in Wellington, Kansas. According to FOX 4 News, authorities apprehended 23-year-old Eli Gaibeth Martinez Sanchez and 24-year-old Deja Shanta Burt Roberts following a tip-off about their location.
Investigators from Haltom City made the trip to Kansas upon discovering the suspects might have fled there. It was reported by Star-Telegram that the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force stepped in to assist with apprehending Martinez Sanchez and Roberts. The pair is currently held on a $100,000 bond each, facing murder charges. Detectives were supposed to interview the suspects as part of a gathering effort for more evidence.
The tragic shooting took place outside an Aldi store located at 3173 Denton Highway. Reports detail that Hill was shot and killed on Thursday night, with witnesses claiming the suspects hastily drove off in a silver Jeep. The motive behind the murder is still being investigated, but police believe there was some familiarity between the suspects and the victim.
The swift arrest highlights the collaboration between local and federal agencies in tracking down and arresting those accused of such grave crimes. The cross-state effort also underscores the reach and efficiency of law enforcement networks when they are called to swiftly act on emerging leads, and the importance of inter-agency cooperation in dealing with suspects alleged to have crossed state lines. Both suspects are to remain in custody pending further legal proceedings.
