BY Sasha Heller
Managing Editor
Joel Martinez
A jury found Laguna Heights resident Joel Martinez guilty late Wednesday of assault family/household member with a previous conviction. Martinez, 25, assaulted a family member by striking her and dragging her by the hair in August 2013 in Laguna Heights.
The victim refused to cooperate with the Cameron County District Attorney’s Office, but the evidence was strong enough to convince a jury.
“Continuing to prosecute domestic violence cases even with an uncooperative victim, is extremely important when ending the cycle of violence,” District Attorney Luis V. Saenz said.
Martinez will be sentenced later this month.
Assistant District Attorneys Julie Allen and Carlos Martinez prosecuted the case in the 445th state District Court.
