Stephen Martinez was convicted of first-degree murder in the death of infant Heather Mares in 2000
NEED TO KNOW
- Stephen Martinez of Denver was convicted of first-degree murder in the death of baby Heather Mares, who was his then-girlfriend’s daughter, in 2000
- New expert evidence brought forth by the Korey Wise Innocence Project suggested that the baby actually died of pneumonia
- On Tuesday, April 21, Denver Judge Andrew Luxen overturned Martinez’s conviction, ordering his release from prison
A man convicted of first-degree murder in his then-girlfriend’s infant child has been exonerated 26 years later.
Stephen Martinez of Denver was convicted of the death of baby Heather Mares in 2000, 9News and CBS News reported, citing court documents and an arrest affidavit. Martinez had called 911 on Oct. 17, 1998, telling emergency services that Heather was choking. When officers arrived, they discovered the child had a skull fracture. Bloodied sheets were also found in the washing machine.
Martinez told investigators that he had shaken the baby as she cried and had hit her head against the crib, though he asserted that this was an accident at the time, court documents said, per 9News…