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Cousins ​​of murdered teenager arrested after body found wrapped in blanket near motorway
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Cousins ​​of murdered teenager arrested after body found wrapped in blanket near motorway

Edgar Martínez was found dead on Saturday, November 9, just days before his 19th birthday.

GoFundMe Edgar Josué Chiche MartínezGoFundMe Edgar Josué Chiche Martínez

GoFundMe

Edgar Josué Chiche Martínez

The cousins ​​of a Connecticut teenager whose body was found wrapped in a blanket on the side of the highway have been charged following his death, PEOPLE can confirm.

On Saturday, Nov. 9, around 7:09 a.m. local time, the Hartford Police Department responded to reports of a body found in the area of ​​80 Pope Park Highway, according to a statement obtained by PEOPLE.

Police identified the victim as Edgar Josué Chiche Martínez, of Hartford, who was days away from celebrating his 19th birthday on Nov. 14 when he died.

“The Hartford Police Major Crimes and Crime Scene Division responded and began an investigation. The body was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, where it was found that the victim was suffering from apparent gunshot wounds,” the police statement said.

Authorities added: “The body is believed to have been placed on the Pope Park Highway approximately 24 hours prior to discovery. During the course of the investigation, it was determined that the incident occurred approximately one day earlier, in an apartment inside 158 Magnolia. Street.”

The victim’s family said NBC Connecticut that the deceased teenager lived at the property on Magnolia Street with his cousins, who were charged after his death.

Police confirmed the sender, Soto-Veliz, 21, was charged with hindering prosecution and tampering with evidence, while a 17-year-old man – who has not been identified – faces murder charges and evidence handling.

Soto-Veliz’s bond was set at $500,000, the release said. He is suspected of helping the unnamed teenager dispose of the body, police Lt. Aaron Boisvert confirmed to PEOPLE.

Google Maps 158 Magnolia Street in Hartford, ConnecticutGoogle Maps 158 Magnolia Street in Hartford, Connecticut

Google Maps

158 Magnolia Street in Hartford, Connecticut

“What we want is for earthly justice to be done because God’s justice is on the other side,” the victim’s aunt, Verónica Imelda Martínez Mayen, told NBC Connecticut on Monday.

“He stayed away from parties, (he was) very friendly,” she added, insisting that Martínez was not one to get into trouble.

Hartford Police Dispatcher Soto-VelizHartford Police Dispatcher Soto-Veliz

Hartford Police

Shipper Soto-Veliz

The victim’s sister, Nimsa Martínez, told the press: “He was the person who always took care of me, despite the fact that he was not well. I will remember him as the most beautiful person I could have ever known.”

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WTNH News8/Youtube Hartford Police vehicleWTNH News8/Youtube Hartford Police vehicle

WTNH News8/Youtube

Hartford Police vehicle

After the victim’s body was found, the two suspects were located later Saturday around 7:35 p.m. driving along Park Terrace, police said in the statement.

The release said, “At approximately 7:35 p.m., members of the Hartford Police and Narcotics Division, Community Patrol Division and Southwest Community Service Officers located the suspect vehicle traveling on Park Terrace.”

“The suspect vehicle was stopped and the suspects were taken into custody,” he added.

The teenager facing charges is expected to have his case transferred to adult court, Boisvert told PEOPLE.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner did not immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE.