Post by Scumhunter on May 6, 2022 11:26:31 GMT -5
(Above photo credit: cbsaustin.com via Austin Police Department)
From CBS Austin (cbsaustin.com):
AUSTIN, Texas — Family of an Austin father shot dead are begging for help to find the man behind the murder who police believe may have left the country.
With wanted posters of Christian Perez-Morales' face, family and friends of Chris Martinez, 40, came in numbers to Austin’s Police’s downtown headquarters on Tuesday to remember the father of three and send a message to Perez Morales.
Martinez’s mother, Joyce, said Chris was her only son who protected her as a single mother. She described him as a hard worker and “great family man.”
“Christian Perez, you cannot run forever. Do the right thing and turn yourself in,” said Joyce standing in front of Austin Police headquarters.
On March 21 after 5 p.m., Perez-Morales and Chris Martinez were in an argument outside an East Riverside pawn shop, where Martinez was working. Police say the two were fighting over a girl they were both romantically involved with.
Austin Police said Perez-Morales shot Martinez several times before driving away.
Homicide Detective David Fugitt said police received tips Perez-Morales could be in Mexico or in Austin.
“It’s going to reach a point to where he is going to run out of places to hide. He’s putting others in jeopardy if they are potentially harboring him or hiding him,” said Det. Fugitt on Tuesday.
When this happened back in March, it was the 15th homicide of the year. So far Austin Police report they’ve already responded to 33 homicides. Detective Fugitt said the 10-year average for Austin homicides is around 30 which was already passed in May.
“We’re currently on pace to have a 300% increase in homicides this year,” said Fugitt.
Austin Police have been struggling with staffing needs in part to delayed cadet classes, according to the Austin Police Association. This makes it harder for APD to organize press conferences where family members of homicide victims speak publicly to ask for the public’s help for information that could potentially lead to a suspect’s arrest.
Raquel Martinez is Chris’ wife with whom he has three kids with ages 21, 19 and 9.
“He doesn’t deserve this and my kids have been very strong,” said Martinez.
If you know where Christian Perez-Morales may be or you have video of the incident, call APD homicide at 512-974-TIPS, email homicide.apd@austintexas.gov or call crime stoppers at 512-472-8477.
A $1,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the suspect.
cbsaustin.com/news/local/family-of-homicide-victim-plea-for-suspect-info-who-may-have-left-the-country
Thoughts? As of this posting date (Mar 6th, 2022), a search of Travis County's online court records still shows this case as in active warrant status:
odysseyweb.traviscountytx.gov/Portal/Home/WorkspaceMode?p=0 (Case # D-1-DC-21-300465)
UPDATE: As of September 7th, 2022, anyone with information on this fugitive's whereabouts can also call or text "In Pursuit" on the Investigation Discovery channel at 833-378-7783 and/or submit a tip at the show's website: www.InPursuitTips.com
Admin Note: If you have any news-related updates on this case, please contact us here: amwfans.com/thread/1662/website-contact-form