Roberto Martinez allegedly handed his 14-year-old son a .40-caliber Glock to commit a deadly drive-by shooting that killed one and wounded two others in a twisted display of gang loyalty that has shocked even veteran law enforcement officers.
Key Takeaways
- Roberto Martinez, a member of The Magicians’ Club gang, allegedly armed his teenage son for a fatal drive-by shooting during a graffiti spree in Los Angeles
- The shooting on February 10 killed Kevin Rivera and wounded two others in rival gang territory
- Martinez has a lengthy criminal history dating back to 2005 involving drugs and weapons charges
- The murder weapon, a .40-caliber Glock, was recovered and linked to the crime through ballistics testing
- Martinez later claimed he tried to stop the shooting, contradicting statements where he allegedly said “My son did what he had to do”
A Father’s Deadly Influence
Roberto Martinez, known as “Stranger” in gang circles, faces murder charges after allegedly providing his 14-year-old son with a firearm used in a fatal drive-by shooting. The incident occurred on February 10 during a graffiti spree in downtown Los Angeles’ Pico-Union neighborhood, when the father-son duo was marking territory with yellow spray paint for their gang, The Magicians’ Club (TMC). What began as vandalism escalated to murder when they encountered individuals believed to be members of a rival gang called the Playboys. The LAPD investigation revealed that Martinez allegedly handed his son the weapon before the teenager opened fire.
“My son did what he had to do, dog,” Martinez allegedly stated, according to statements,” according to Yahoo News and American Military News.
The shooting claimed the life of Kevin Rivera and left two others wounded. Surveillance footage captured Martinez and his son tagging buildings with gang signs prior to the shooting, establishing their presence in the area. Details regarding the son’s case remain sealed due to his juvenile status, but both father and son face charges for Rivera’s murder. Prosecutors allege Martinez believed Rivera was affiliated with a rival gang, providing the motive for the attack that occurred in Playboy’s territory.
Contradictory Claims and Evidence
Despite the damning evidence against him, Martinez has offered conflicting accounts of his involvement. In a recorded jail call after his arrest, he claimed he attempted to prevent the violence, stating: “Honestly I tried to stop him. I tried to grab the gun.” This directly contradicts earlier statements allegedly made to a fellow prisoner where he appeared to express pride in his son’s actions. The prosecution maintains that not only did Martinez supply the weapon, but he directed his son to commit the shooting as part of gang-related activities.
“The hardcore gang members, they seek for the most part to insulate the innocents, their family, from what they are,” said Ramon Mendoza, as reported by American Military News.
Law enforcement recovered the murder weapon, a .40-caliber Glock, in Wilmington, California. Ballistics testing confirmed it was the same firearm used in Rivera’s murder. Investigators discovered WhatsApp messages indicating the gun was purchased for $800 five days after the shooting, with the sale apparently coordinated by someone near Centinela State Prison. Antonio Alvarez, who was later detained by LAPD officers, was identified as the buyer of the weapon in what appears to be an attempt to dispose of evidence.
A Disturbing Pattern of Criminal Behavior
Martinez’s criminal history stretches back to 2005 and includes multiple charges related to drugs and weapons. His membership in The Magicians’ Club gang has been well-documented by law enforcement. What makes this case particularly disturbing is the deliberate involvement of his teenage son in criminal activities. According to experts, while gang members typically try to shield their families from their criminal lives, some cases reveal a more sinister dynamic where violence becomes a twisted form of bonding.
“Rather than deter and discourage their kids, in some sick way they look at (violence) as a kind of bonding event,” stated Ramon Mendoza, as reported by American Military News.
This case highlights the generational impact of gang culture in Los Angeles and raises serious questions about family influence in perpetuating cycles of violence. Law enforcement officials note that it is relatively rare for older gang members to directly involve younger relatives in violent crimes, making Martinez’s alleged actions particularly egregious. The investigation continues as authorities work to uncover additional details about the weapon’s history and any other participants involved in the shooting or subsequent attempts to conceal evidence.
