Martín De Jesús Martínez Dead: Mexican Businessman Killed While Trying To Save Daughter From Kidnapping

Restaurant entrepreneur Martín de Jesús Martínez Trujillo was shot to death when he tried to save his daughter, Wendy Martínez Ortiz, from being kidnapped in Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz on Monday night. According to Proceso, a group of armed men shot Martínez three times before rapidly abandoning the crime scene, taking the minor with them.

Mexican authorities released a press communicate 10 hours after the happenings occurred, informing that the 16-year-old high school student had been found but the identity and location of the kidnappers were still unknown. “The research inside the investigation folder is following its course, according to the law. We will inform the locals about any findings through media outlets,” read the text.

Even though it was reported that local special units found the girl safe and sound and brought her home, it was revealed that the kidnappers contacted the family and demanded a huge ransom to set the teenage girl free. The amount was not disclosed.

On Tuesday morning, friends and family of Martín de Jesús gathered outside the Public High School No.19, where he worked as a prefect, to pay respect and say their goodbyes. “I think that the main thing to talk about here is the courage my son had, so this generation and future generations know that it is necessary to be proactive and stand up for our kids’ rights. He always fought for that,” Gabino Martínez Fernández, father of the deceased, told local publication El Sur.

According to Observatorio Nacional Ciudadano, Coatzacoalcos has reported more than 30 violent homicides this year.