Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Jill Atwood reportingOgden police say their prime suspect in the shooting of a 12 year old boy has been shot and killed in Guatemala.
The boy was killed last year by a stray bullet during a gang fight.
Police had put out a federal warrant some time ago to try to track down Wilver Gonzales.Several months ago they learned he had been killed in a gunfight with another man. And just a few weeks ago they confirmed for sure it was the man they had been looking for.
Today at the Ogden Police Department detectives announced the case closed.
You may remember this story. It happened in June of 2002. 12 year old Jesse Martinez was sitting on his mother's lap when a stray bullet from a gang fight down the street, hit him in the head and killed him. Three other known gang members were sent to prison, but Gonzales fled to his native Guatemala.
Today a small tree grows in memory of Jesse. His mother and father cherish the time they had with their child, and have forgiven the men responsible for his death.
Laura Martinez/Jesse's Mother: "They are very remorseful and sorry I just hope...everyone can speak words but actions that they can change and turn their lives around no more violent acts are in their lives."
Jesse's parents spend their time now reaching out to other gang members in the community hoping to help them change their lives.
They say it has been a difficult year and a half but they take comfort in knowing Jesse is in heaven.
