Fisherman charged with murder of missing man, Marlon Martinez

After being missing for over two months, 24-year-old Marlon Martinez is believed to have been located, and a fisherman from Dangriga Town has been charged with his murder. On Saturday, investigators arrested and charged 34-year-old Derek Bernaldo Gorosica for Martinez’s murder. The Hopkins resident was reported missing in March, and the police believe he was killed. Assistant Commissioner of Police, Hilberto Romero, says that human remains believed to be Martinez has been found and explained that DNA analysis would confirm the police’s speculation.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Officer Commanding Eastern Division: “Reference the missing person report of Marlon Martinez which was made on the 6th day of March 2023. A thorough investigation was carried out which led to the arrest of Derek Garosica for the crime of murder. This is after some human remains were found and an investigation was carried out. After consultation with the DPP’s office this person was charged for the crime of murder.”

Reporter: The human remains were tested ? 

ACP Hilberto Romero, Officer Commanding Eastern Division: “The human remains were examined by a medical forensic pathologist and we got the results and based on those examinations then the determination was made to charge this person for murder.”

Reporter: But has the DNA analysis confirmed whether or not it was conclusive that it is Marlon Martinez ? 

ACP Hilberto Romero, Officer Commanding Eastern Division: “No those will be sent abroad for testing.”

Reporter: So at this point there’s no definite indication that those remains belong to Marlon Martinez ? 

ACP Hilberto Romero, Officer Commanding Eastern Division: “I will not go into every detail. Again we carried out an investigation and at the conclusion it was determined that there was sufficient evidence to charge him therefore he was charged.”