Mugshot of Eliezer Martinez. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
ST. CROIX — A man has been barred from the premises where the mother of his child resides after he allegedly assaulted her.
Eliezer Martinez III is facing charges of second-degree assault and simple assault and battery, both classed as crimes of domestic violence. According to police, on the morning of August 3rd, the victim walked into the Wilbur Francis Command Police Station and reported that she was assaulted by the father of her child. In her statement to police, she explained that she has been residing with Martinez for about two years.
The couple reportedly got into a verbal altercation the previous night and then later went to sleep. The next morning she woke up with a headache and went out to get some painkillers. She recounted that when she got outside she saw Martinez next to her vehicle cursing out loud. She ignored him and got into her car, but Martinez reportedly came to the driver’s side and asked for his bag which was inside the car. She handed him the bag which he then snatched out of her hands.
According to the woman, she asked Martinez “what’s your problem?” and he then punched her in the face three times. She tried to exit the car, but he placed his body inside and pinned his knee on top of her, preventing her from leaving. The victim said Martinez then grabbed her by the neck and started to squeeze tightly, while threatening to kill her. She told police that she could not breathe and that she bit Martinez’s hand which caused him to release her neck. She then pushed him out of the car and ran to her apartment where she called for police assistance.
Police observed swelling to the victim’s face and bruising on her nose bridge. She reportedly spoke with a hoarse voice and indicated that she had difficulty speaking. Law enforcement searched the area but were unable to locate Martinez. However, on Wednesday, August 17th police received information that he was in the Sion Farm area and traveled there to detain him. He was transported to the Wilbur Francis Command Police Station where he declined to provide a statement after being advised of his rights. He was subsequently placed under arrest and charged.
When Martinez appeared for his advisement hearing on Friday, bail was set at $1000 with an allowance for his release upon the posting of $101 in cash. He will be required to sign an unsecured bond for the remainder of the bail amount. While this matter is pending the defendant is prohibited from going to the premises where the victim resides and must remain at least 1000 feet away from her at all times. He has been granted one opportunity to retrieve his belongings but only under the escort of law enforcement.
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