Francisco Martinez

A bright future was just beginning for Francisco G. Martinez, a 21-year-old Hispanic man known to his loved ones as “Paco.” A Stockton native, he had successfully navigated the challenges of his South Stockton neighborhood, avoiding gangs and violence to focus on his goals. He was a graduate of the Merlo Institute of Environmental Technology high school and had recently earned his general electrician certification from San Joaquin Delta College’s rigorous program. The week of his funeral, he had a second-round job interview scheduled with Pacific Gas and Electric Co. His family remembered him as a shy, religious, and devoted son and brother who was like a "homebody."

Paco was the third of four brothers and had taken on extra responsibility at home, helping his mother, Lourdes, and his youngest brother, 15-year-old Jesus, after their father passed away the previous June. He held a part-time job to help with family expenses while attending college and was a regular at St. Linus Catholic Church, where he often collected Sunday offerings. His brother Alfonso described him as a good boy who was never involved in gangs or drugs, and who was always there to cook for his little brother and make sure he did his homework. An avid fan of the Oakland Raiders, Paco would save his money to attend games with his brothers.

The evening of March 10, 2014, ended that future in an instant. Around 7:30 p.m., Paco stepped outside his family’s home to check on a friend's car. He was outside for less than two minutes when gunfire erupted from the corner of Anne and East Eighth streets. Police believe an altercation between several other individuals escalated, leading to more than half a dozen shots being fired. Paco was not the intended target. A single stray bullet, after passing through a mailbox, struck him in the chest.

His younger brother, Jesus, witnessed the tragedy. Paco grabbed his chest and laid himself on the ground. A neighbor who was a nurse rushed to apply pressure to the wound until paramedics arrived. He was transported to a local hospital, but the injury was too severe, and Francisco Martinez died. Police confirmed he was an innocent bystander, an unintended victim caught in the crossfire.

The Stockton Police Department launched a homicide investigation, appealing to the public for help. Detectives released cell phone footage that captured a heated argument and the sound of multiple gunshots, hoping to identify those involved. Investigators urged witnesses to come forward with any information, no matter how small.

Despite the pleas for information and the circulation of the video, no arrests have ever been made in connection with Francisco Martinez's death. The case grew cold, leaving his family without justice. As of the latest available information, his murder remains unsolved. Stockton Crime Stoppers offered a cash reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest. The Stockton Police Department asks anyone with information to call them at (209) 937-8377, the Investigations Unit at (209) 937-8323, or Crime Stoppers at (209) 946-0600, where callers can remain anonymous.