There are new developments in the gruesome murder of Norma Leticia Martinez, the 20-year-old San Jose lesbian who was struck by a car, dragged up to two blocks and left in the middle of traffic. Police have arrested the ex-girlfriend who was seen fighting with Martinez shortly before she was killed, KCBS reports.
Jennifer Bautista was pulled over Wednesday morning as she was driving near Tully Road and South 7th Street in San Jose. San Jose Police spokesman Jermaine Thomas said she was initially detained for questioning and subsequently arrested. Bautista has been booked into the Santa Clara County jail for the murder of 20-year-old Norma Leticia Martinez. Police said it appears Martinez was pulled along the street by a vehicle for at least a block, but it is still unclear whether she was dragged or was holding onto the car. Thomas said they have not determined a motive in the alleged murder.
Several family members initially suspected Leticia's death was a hate crime because she previously been threatened due to her sexual orientation.
The suspect and victim were involved in rocky on-again off-again romance. Court documents show that Bautista was granted a domestic violence restraining order against Martinez in January.
Between this story and Professor Belton, I think it is either sad or scary that so many LGBTs find themselves in dangerous relationships.
We know that domestic violence is one of the things we'd prefer to ignore in our community, but it is very real.
People, you don't have to settle for relationships with people who don't respect you! Threatening behavior is not another way to say "I love you."
Posted by: Anthony in Nashville | 31 December 2009 at 14:06
I was thinking the same thing. Too often some of us are willing to tolerate physical abuse ( and mental abuse too)in order to feel wanted and to maintain a relationship. And some of use seek the thrill of messing with people who are unstable because they are sexy or possessive or both. " he really loves me thats why he beats me or gets so jealous"
We need to break this cycle. I think that our enemies expect our relationships to be dysfunctional and all too often we expect this also and tolerate it... lets THINK HEALTHY IN ALL WAYS in 2010...
Posted by: nahtans | 01 January 2010 at 07:17
Violence within our community is something we need to address. I just hope there is justice for this young woman. One, possibly two lives ruined.
Posted by: dt | 01 January 2010 at 17:59
This makes me think of all the drama and fights I've had over the years with lovers, and fights that friends have had.
Ironically, I know of one person who also tried to run down a cheating BF in a fit of rage - even zooming up a one way street to do it. Fortunately, no one was hurt. And this person is a sane reasonable individual who just snapped.
On the other hand, I've had the cops come out and break up domestic violence incidents in my home (the most serious involved a butcher knife thrown at me) -- but that relationship was doomed anyway, he had anger management issues and I had a wandering eye.
I don't know the specifics of this case, but I do know that regular people can snap and do crazy stuff, out of the blue, just like a light being switched on and off. Sometimes we can see the handwriting on the wall, see it coming, and would do well to get out of the situation fast.
But life being what it is, sometimes we can't.
May Leticia rest in peace, and may her family and loved ones find some as well .....
Posted by: Taylor Siluwé | 03 January 2010 at 09:08