Samuel Resendez

Samuel D. Resendez, a 46-year-old Hispanic man known in his community as a pastor, was a devoted husband, father, and son. He was a man of faith who offered comfort to others in times of tragedy. Just four months before his own life was taken, he spoke to local media about the accidental drowning of a three-year-old girl, offering prayers for the grieving families. "I'm going to pray for healing - that God would begin to heal the broken hearts," he said. "They are very broken. Both families are very, very broken." He explained that the families involved were part of his church community, describing the situation as a heartbreaking accident among friends. This compassion and connection to his community were hallmarks of the man his loved ones lost so violently.

The afternoon of Wednesday, October 26, 2016, brought that violence to a strip mall parking lot in south Wichita, Kansas. At approximately 4:47 p.m., an argument erupted between Resendez and another man, Faustino Juan Martinez Jr. The verbal dispute quickly escalated. According to authorities, Martinez then allegedly produced a firearm and shot Resendez. Witnesses described the suspect firing two shots before making his escape. He fled the scene in a white 2010 Range Rover that had California license plates. Emergency services were dispatched to the parking lot, and Resendez was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. Despite the efforts of medical staff, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

The Wichita Police Department immediately began a homicide investigation. Officers located the white Range Rover abandoned a short distance from the crime scene, a key piece of evidence that helped them move forward. Based on witness statements and evidence collected, investigators quickly identified Faustino Juan Martinez Jr. as the suspect in the shooting. A warrant was issued for his arrest on charges of first-degree murder, criminal possession of a firearm, and possession of narcotics with the intent to distribute. A judge set his bond at $2 million. However, by the time the warrant was issued, Martinez had vanished.

In the days and weeks that followed, it became clear that Martinez had gone on the run. He has not been seen since the day of the shooting. The investigation, involving both the Wichita Police Department and the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office, expanded into a multi-state and international manhunt. While authorities initially considered the possibility that he might still be in the Wichita area, they later announced their belief that he had most likely fled to either Southern California or Mexico. Public appeals were made for any information regarding his whereabouts.

The search for Faustino Juan Martinez Jr. has continued for years, but he remains a fugitive. His case has been publicized by law enforcement and crime-solving organizations in an effort to generate new leads. Crime Stoppers of Wichita/Sedgwick County offered a reward of up to $2,500 for information that leads directly to his arrest. Despite these efforts and the significant bond set for his return, Martinez has successfully evaded capture.

Samuel Resendez was survived by his wife, mother, a son, and a daughter. His murder left a deep and lasting wound in his family and the community he served. The man who had publicly prayed for the healing of others was taken in an act of violence that left his own loved ones brokenhearted. As of late 2024, the case officially remains open, with an active warrant for the arrest of Faustino Juan Martinez Jr. Authorities continue to ask for the public's help and urge anyone with information on his location to submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111 or online at wichitasedgwickcountycrimestoppers.com.