ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (BCDAO / Press Release) — Special agents with the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s office have made a breakthrough in a decades-old serial rape case in Albuquerque. They have arrested 61-year-old Ralph Anthony Martinez, a school bus driver with APS, after a forensic genetic genealogy DNA investigation linked him to multiple rapes that occurred over 30 years ago.
The investigation began when Agents with the District Attorney’s Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Team (SAKI) decided to collect DNA from the school bus Martinez drove. They targeted the steering wheel, gear shift, and switches on the bus. Shockingly, the collected DNA matched the DNA evidence collected from sexual assaults in 1988 and 1991.
One of the attacks happened in October 1988, when a 19-year-old victim was asleep at her home in the 1700 Block of Wyoming NE. A man broke in, brandishing a knife, and raped her. The second incident occurred on August 3, 1991, when a 35-year-old woman was also asleep in her home in the 8000 Block of Aspen Ave NE. Again, an intruder broke in, used the victim’s own gun to threaten her, and subsequently raped her. The victim managed to escape to a neighbor’s house, and the suspect fled, leaving his underwear and shirt at the scene.
In the third incident, on August 7, 1991, an 18-year-old victim was asleep in her apartment located in the 5300 block of San Mateo NE. Once again, a man broke in and sexually assaulted her. All three victims received medical attention, and sexual assault kits were collected.
Moreover, agents were able to link Martinez’s DNA to a fourth sexual assault, but sadly, that victim is already deceased. The Bernalillo County District Attorney, Sam Bregman, expressed his pride and appreciation for the hard work of the Sexual Assault Cold Case Unit (SAKI). He hopes that the arrest and subsequent legal proceedings will bring some measure of justice to the victims and their families.
The use of forensic genetic genealogy has gained increased attention and proven successful in solving cold cases in recent years. By comparing the suspect’s DNA to publicly available genetic profiles, investigators can identify potential relatives and construct a family tree that leads to the perpetrator. This groundbreaking technique provides a new tool for law enforcement to solve crimes that may have remained unsolved for decades, bringing closure to victims and their loved ones.
In cases like this, where the crimes took place so long ago, it is particularly significant to see justice being served. These crimes not only had a profound impact on the victims’ lives but also on the community as a whole. The fear and trauma caused by a serial rapist can linger for years, leaving victims and their families haunted by the memories. The arrest of Ralph Anthony Martinez brings hope for a safer community and illustrates the dedication of law enforcement agencies in pursuing justice, no matter how much time has passed.
Through advancements in DNA technology and the tireless efforts of law enforcement, justice is being pursued for victims of long-forgotten crimes. It is a testament to the perseverance and commitment of investigators who refuse to give up on bringing closure to victims and holding offenders accountable.
It is vital to acknowledge the bravery of the victims who came forward and underwent the examination and collection of the sexual assault kits. Their actions may have seemed futile at the time, but their cooperation has played a crucial role in bringing this case to light and ensuring that justice is served. The importance of sexual assault kits cannot be understated; they provide tangible evidence that can potentially solve cases and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
The arrest of Ralph Anthony Martinez serves as a reminder that justice may take time, but it is never out of reach. It sends a powerful message to survivors of sexual assault that their experiences are valid and that law enforcement will continue to work tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice.
As the legal proceedings unfold, it is essential for the community to support the victims and their families. These individuals have endured trauma for much of their lives and deserve compassion, understanding, and support. By standing united, we can ensure that survivors of sexual assault are heard, validated, and supported throughout the difficult journey of seeking justice.
In conclusion, the arrest of Ralph Anthony Martinez brings hope and closure to victims of serial rape in Albuquerque, cases that remained unsolved for over three decades. This breakthrough serves as a reminder that law enforcement agencies are committed to pursuing justice no matter how much time has passed. The use of forensic genetic genealogy has proven to be an invaluable tool for solving cold cases and bringing closure to victims and their families. It is essential for the community to stand together in supporting survivors of sexual assault and ensuring that their voices are heard.
