Authorities have announced the capture of two suspects, Jonathan Mota and Karina Rivera, both residents of Fontana, in connection with the murder of Valentin Martinez, also a Fontana resident, whose life was claimed by gun violence on a quiet street earlier this month. Investigations by detectives with the Sheriff's Specialized Investigations Division, Homicide Detail, pinpointed the pair as responsible for the June 6th incident on the 9800 block of Banana Avenue, where Martinez was found shot and pronounced dead.
Following a tip, the Fontana station deputies discovered Martinez's body which lead to a multi-agency operation involving the Sheriff's Specialized Enforcement Division, Sheriff’s Gang Division, Mohave County Sheriff’s Department, and the U.S. Marshall Fugitive Apprehension Team, they successfully located and apprehended Mota and Rivera on June 9th, in an unspecified locale near Kingman, Arizona; both are now awaiting extradition back to San Bernardino County, according to a statement released by the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department.
The Sheriff-Coroner Department's release highlighted that this arrest marks a significant step in an ongoing probe into the fatal shooting, and as the custody transfers, the call for any additional insights into the case remains open. Hinting at the community's critical role, they encouraged anyone with details about this case to reach out to Detective Ronald Williams, allowing for information to be provided anonymously either through We-Tip at 800-78CRIME or by visiting www.wetip.com.
