Suspect Connected to Grand Junction Assault and Shooting Death Arrested
A man suspected of being involved in the incident that led to the death of a Grand Junction resident has been arrested.
The Mesa County Sheriff's Office reports 30-year-old Eric Julian Martinez was arrested on Monday (September 17) in Garfield County and charged with First Degree Assault and Criminal Extortion, a Class 3 and Class 4 Felony.
Investigators from the Sheriff's Office believe Martinez and another man went to a residence in the 3100 block of Chipeta Avenue on Sunday morning. While there, Martinez is believed to have assaulted a 27-year-old male resident of the home who's injuries required hospitalization.
During the altercation, a woman who was at the residence retrieved a gun that was in the home. Investigators report that during the confrontation between Martinez, the man with him, and the residents of the home- the gun fired and the bullet struck and killed 26-year-old Brandon Sanchez.
The Sheriff's Office says the investigation is open and ongoing as they are carefully evaluating evidence collected and reviewing interviews from witnesses. Additional information, including whether or not more charges will be filed in this case, will be released when the investigation is complete.