A Lowndes County grand jury has brought indictments against a mother and daughter in connection to a New Hope murder.
Christina Martinez has been indicted for the June slaying of her husband, Manuel Vasquez. Her mother, Lydia Martinez, is charged with accessory after the fact for her alleged role in attempting to cover up the murder.
Christina Martinez faces an additional charge for domestic violence aggravated assault, after the grand jury found evidence to charge Christina for attempting to poison Lydia with anti-freeze a month after she allegedly killed her husband.
Authorities believe Vasquez died around June 24, according to court documents. His remains, authorities said, were burned and scattered in his yard and were only confirmed as belonging to Manuel Vasquez by the state Crime Lab in October.
Law enforcement first responded to the Vasquez home on Windchase Drive in New Hope on July 22, 10 days after Christina Martinez told the Lowndes County Sheriff Office her husband had gone on a retreat but had been out of contact. When they arrived on July 22, Lydia Martinez was found to be unresponsive. The grand jury indictment charges Christina with poisoning Lydia with anti-freeze that day.
Christina Martinez faces life in jail if convicted. She turns 38 years old today.
Lydia Martinez, 56, is charged with “assisting in destroying the body of the victim with an attempt to enable such felon to avoid arrest, trial, conviction or punishment.” She faces a maximum of 20 years in jail.
The women have yet to be formally arraigned, according to the Lowndes County Circuit Clerk’s office. Their trials are tentatively set for February 2016.
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