Content warning: This article describes child sexual abuse, infant death, and child abuse. Please take care while reading.
A devastating case of alleged incest and abuse has shocked Texas after a father was charged with sexually assaulting his 17-year-old daughter and forcing her to travel to Mexico for an abortion that resulted in a stillborn child.
The disturbing case came to light when a deceased newborn was discovered in a Kingsville, Texas, Walmart restroom. The Kingsville Police Department and Texas Rangers quickly launched an investigation that led them to the 17-year-old mother, who made shocking allegations against her father.
Years of alleged abuse
Once identified, the teenager told investigators and counselors that her father, Jerry Lee Martinez, 45, of Mathis, Texas, had been sexually assaulting her for the past two years, beginning when she was just 15 years old. In a horrifying revelation, she claimed Martinez was the biological father of the dead infant.
When Martinez discovered his daughter’s pregnancy, the teen alleged he repeatedly struck her in the stomach before driving her across the border to Mexico for an abortion procedure in July. The baby was stillborn following the procedure, and days later, the frightened teenager left the deceased infant in the Walmart bathroom.
The charges
Martinez now faces multiple serious felony charges, including sexual assault of a child, child endangerment, tampering with a witness, and tampering with evidence. The case has grown more shocking with the arrest of Martinez’s stepfather, 60-year-old Mario Duran, who also faces sexual assault charges related to the victim.
During his bond hearing in the 105th District Court, Martinez’s bail was set at a substantial amount, and he has been ordered to have no contact with family members, the victim, or any witnesses. His daughter is reportedly in a secure location and is not in police custody.
Legal implications
This case highlights the severe penalties for child abuse and incest under Texas law. Incest between a parent and child constitutes a second-degree felony in Texas, carrying potential sentences of two to 20 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
The international aspect adds another layer of legal complexity, as the alleged crime involved crossing borders to obtain an abortion in Mexico, where several border states have recently decriminalized the procedure.
Ongoing investigation
The Mathis Police Department continues to assist Kingsville authorities in their investigation. According to the San Patricio District Attorney’s office, additional charges remain possible as investigators uncover more evidence in this deeply troubling case.
If you know someone suffering from sexual violence, contact RAINN or the National Sexual Abuse Telephone Hotline at 1-800-656-4673
