Dinuba, California – A 16-year-old teenager faces charges in connection with the tragic killing of a respected middle-school teacher in central California last year. Sergio Martin, a 50-year-old teacher at the Cutler-Orosi Joint Unified School District, was found dead in his Dinuba home from multiple gunshot wounds in the early hours of November 6, 2023. Law enforcement initially believed it was a random act of violence and confirmed that the suspect was not a former student of Martin’s.
The teenager has been charged with murder and burglary, among other offenses, as announced by the Tulare County District Attorney. Due to being 15 at the time of the incident, the boy will be tried as a juvenile under California law. Should he be convicted, he will only be held in custody until the age of 25.
Additionally, two young adults, Jorge Arrieta, 21, and Joseph Garcia, 20, were charged with burglary in connection to the crime. Arrieta faces charges of second-degree burglary, accessory, and possession of stolen property. Arrieta is in custody, while Garcia was released on bail and is scheduled for arraignment on May 22.
A dedicated teacher for 17 years, Martin taught Spanish at El Monte Middle School, where students and colleagues expressed their grief by placing heartfelt notes and pictures outside his classroom. Known for his love of vinyl records and the Los Angeles Dodgers, Martin was described by his friend Emilio Botello as someone who deeply cared for his students and parents. Botello mentioned how Martin’s impact extended beyond the classroom, leaving a lasting impression on many.
The loss of Sergio Martin has deeply affected the community, highlighting the impact a dedicated educator can have on the lives of those they touch. The legal proceedings against the teenager and the accomplices continue as the community mourns the loss of a beloved teacher and friend.