Denver — A judge on Tuesday overturned the first-degree murder conviction of a man convicted of killing his then-girlfriend’s 4-month-old daughter nearly 30 years ago because of new evidence in the case.
Steven Martinez was convicted in 2000 and sentenced to life in prison after prosecutors alleged he beat Heather Mares in 1998. But recent evidence presented by the defense that the child died of pneumonia prompted prosecutors to reexamine the case and conclude they could not prove Martinez guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Denver District Attorney’s Office did not oppose a request from Martinez’s attorneys with the Korey Wise Innocent Project to overturn his conviction.
District Court Judge Andrew Locsin overturned Martinez’s conviction, ordered his release from prison and dismissed the case over the objections of Maris’ family, including her parents, Kim Estrada and Chris Maris. They believe Martinez killed the child and said he has expressed no remorse.
“My life stopped 27 hours ago along with our family’s life,” said Estrada, who began crying after Locsin announced his decision.
Martinez was tried under what was at the time a new state law allowing first-degree murder charges instead of the lesser charge of child abuse resulting in death.
Martinez declined to speak during the hearing.
Jane Siegel, one of his attorneys, said the criminal justice system failed Martinez and so did Maris’ family.
“This case is a tragedy on all fronts,” she said.
Martinez’s aunt, Teresa Garcia, said she wished the parents of Martinez, who died while in prison, were here to see if he would be released.
“I know they are looking down on us today and smiling when their son returns home and is reunited with his loved ones,” she said.