RACINE — Christopher Martinez was sentenced Monday to 22.5 years in Wisconsin State Prison for his role in the death of James Hamilton.
Following his term of initial confinement, Martinez will serve 7.5 years of extended supervision.
Martinez — who was charged alongside his brothers Jonathan Martinez of Gurnee, Illinois, and Moises Gonzalez of Racine — pleaded guilty May 9 to one count of felony murder-burglary as a party to a crime.
According to online court records, Jonathan Martinez pleaded guilty to felony murder as a party to a crime and was sentenced to 20 years in prison with five years of extended supervision.
Gonzalez, whose case is still open, was charged with attempted armed robbery and possession of THC with intent to distribute. Previous Journal Times details that Gonzalez did not participate in the robbery but allegedly knew about it beforehand.
About 10:04 p.m. Oct. 4, 2021, Racine Police Department officers responded to a report of a possible home invasion in the 1000 block of Monroe Avenue, according to previous Journal Times .
At the residence, officers reportedly found Hamilton dead with multiple gunshot wounds. They also reportedly found a revolver.
During the investigation, an AR-15 style rifle, several types of controlled substances and more than $125,000 in cash were recovered.
A neighbor’s home security camera video showed two individuals exit a red truck parked four houses away on the day of the shooting. The individuals reportedly can be seen walking toward the back door of the residence, running back to the truck and leaving the area three minutes later.
Investigators determined that the truck was purchased by the wife or girlfriend of Jonathan Martinez.
According to a criminal complaint, cell phone data placed Christopher and Jonathan Martinez near the home at the time of Hamilton’s death.
The complaint alleged that Gonzalez told investigators that Christopher Martinez said he was going to rob Hamilton and offered Gonzalez $10,000 afterward.
Gonzalez also reportedly told investigators that Christopher Martinez said Hamilton shot first, which prompted him to shoot back.
Originally published on , part of the .
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