Bronx Street Astronomer ‘Jupiter Joe’ Convicted of Killing Teen After DNA Linked Him to Crime Decades Later

Bronx Street Astronomer ‘Jupiter Joe’ Found Guilty of Killing Teen

In a shocking turn of events, Bronx street astronomer Joseph Martinez, known as “Jupiter Joe,” has been convicted of the murder of 13-year-old Minerliz “Minnie” Soriano, a case dating back to 1999. Martinez, who resided in the same apartment building as Soriano and offered free astronomy lessons to the community, was brought to justice after DNA evidence linked him to the crime decades later.

The tragic incident unfolded when Soriano, a bright student with aspirations of becoming an astronaut, went missing after leaving her middle school on February 24, 1999. Her lifeless body was discovered four days later in a dumpster behind a Bronx video store. Friends and family remember Soriano as a dedicated student who dreamt of exploring the stars, a dream that was cut short by Martinez’s heinous actions.

Retired NYPD homicide detective Malcolm Reiman, who worked on the Soriano case, shed light on the teen’s life, describing her as a “latchkey kid” who diligently tended to her responsibilities while coping with financial challenges. Soriano’s innocence and vulnerability made her a target for predators, leading to Martinez’s eventual encounter with the young girl in their shared apartment building.

Despite being interviewed in 1999, Martinez managed to evade suspicion, only to have DNA evidence resurface two decades later. The breakthrough came when familial DNA testing identified a partial match between DNA found on Soriano and that of Martinez’s deceased father. Subsequent collection of Martinez’s DNA from a diner straw matched crime scene evidence, leading to his arrest and conviction.

The utilization of familial DNA testing marked a significant milestone in New York City’s criminal investigation techniques, paving the way for more efficient and accurate identification of perpetrators. For Reiman, the resolution of the Soriano case brings a sense of closure, allowing hope that the victim can finally rest in peace knowing that justice has been served.

The sentencing of Joseph Martinez is scheduled for January 8, 2026, bringing an end to a harrowing chapter in the Bronx community’s history. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event, the case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of diligence in pursuing justice for victims and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. The story of “Jupiter Joe” and Minerliz Soriano serves as a cautionary tale of the enduring impact of crime and the significance of utilizing advanced forensic techniques to seek truth and deliver justice.

In conclusion, the conviction of Joseph Martinez stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication of law enforcement officials and the resilience of communities in seeking closure and resolution for victims of crime. As the Bronx reflects on this somber chapter in its history, the memory of Minerliz Soriano serves as a poignant reminder of the need to protect and safeguard the vulnerable members of society, ensuring that tragedies like these are never forgotten and justice is always pursued.