Cynthia Martinez, 27, of Meriden, Connecticut, has been charged with murder after a man was found shot dead in a wooded area. Authorities say she searched “Does God forgive murders” on the morning of his death.
Body found in Farmington woods
The body of Derick Mercado-Labonte was discovered around 10am on March 19 on a mowed trail about 100 yards into a wooded area in Farmington. He had a bullet wound to his face. A Winchester 9mm Luger shell casing and an XF 9mm casing were found nearby.
Firearm linked to suspect
Police learned Martinez owned a registered Glock 43X, 9mm pistol. When the firearm was found in her vehicle, it contained five Winchester 9mm rounds in the magazine. Testing by the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) established the shell casings came from her Glock.
Autopsy confirms homicide
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide caused by a gunshot wound to the head. The autopsy revealed two gunshot wounds: one to the head from behind and another to the shoulder.
Timeline of events
Detectives believe the murder occurred around 9pm on March 16, based on multiple witnesses reporting hearing two gunshots minutes apart. CCTV footage showed Martinez's car in the American Red Cross car park about 30 minutes earlier, with two shadowy figures heading toward Farmington Avenue and Talcott Forest Road.
Search history and phone records
A search of Martinez's mobile revealed that on the morning of March 16, she searched “Does God forgive murderers.” Police believe Mercado-Labonte and Martinez first met at a Middletown pub on March 13. During two interviews, Martinez denied knowing him, but phone records showed calls between them, including late on March 14. Data showed little activity during the suspected murder time, and Martinez missed prior plans that night.
Martinez is being held on a $1 million bond and is scheduled to appear in Litchfield court on July 31.
