A 28-year-old man has been arrested and charged with murder in relation to the 2019 disappearance of 16-year-old Victoria Marquina from Sutter Creek, California. Joshua Martinez was taken into custody on March 12 and now faces multiple felony counts including murder, as announced by the Amador County District Attorney’s Office.
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Victoria Marquina was reported missing in October 2019, shortly after she was last seen on October 9 of that year. It was revealed that she had been involved in a romantic relationship with Martinez, which had only begun a month before her disappearance. San Joaquin District Attorney Ron Freitas described the relationship as “very short” and noted the complexity of the case, particularly because Marquina was pregnant at the time she went missing.
The investigation into Marquina’s case began when her mother reported her absence. Her vehicle was found abandoned just days later, over 50 miles from her home, which compounded the grave concerns regarding her welfare. Reports indicate that shortly after her disappearance, Martinez fled to Mexico but was extradited back to the United States to face charges.
In a recent news conference, Freitas stated, “Today marks the beginning of Victoria Marquina’s journey for justice,” acknowledging the hard work of investigators and the persistence of Marquina’s mother, who has been instrumental in pushing for answers. The comments highlight the communal efforts among the local law enforcement agencies in both Amador and San Joaquin County.
Martinez had been previously arrested concerning Marquina’s case but was released prior to his recent detention. Following his arrest, he was taken to the San Joaquin County Jail where he is currently held without bail. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of life in prison. During previous questioning in 2020, Martinez claimed he met Marquina through a dating app, asserting that he had dropped her off after their final meeting, and insisted that she had misled him regarding her age.
Despite the ongoing investigation, the whereabouts of Marquina’s body, as well as that of her unborn child, remain unknown. Freitas voiced a plea for information, stating, “We are looking for her remains and the remains of her unborn child. We need closure for the family.”
Marquina’s mother, Blance Valencia, expressed her heartbreak during interviews, reflecting on her daughter’s dreams and aspirations that remain unfulfilled. “I think that by now she would be graduated, received, and would be a fulfilled woman,” she shared. Valencia remains hopeful that her daughter will one day be found, urging anyone with information to come forward.
Martinez is scheduled to appear in court again on April 6, as the legal proceedings unfold. The authorities continue to seek the public’s assistance in uncovering facts related to this case, stressing the importance of closure for the family affected by this tragic loss.
The broader community has been rallying around the Marquina family as they seek justice and answers regarding Victoria’s disappearance. With a tragic past behind them, they now hope for a future where they can finally lay their loved one to rest.