On Sunday, March 17, 2019, St. Patrick’s Day, suspect Juan Martinez was driving while intoxicated and veered into oncoming traffic on Central Ave. Martinez’s vehicle collided with a vehicle occupied by Mr. William Domingo and Mrs. Erlinda Domingo, a married couple in their 70’s who were driving home from a church service. The crash resulted in the death of Erlinda Domingo. Her husband, William Domingo, was also seriously injured. Martinez fled the scene and hid, but was later apprehended by responding officers. Martinez was eventually charged with murder under the “Watson Murder” ruling in addition to several other felony charges. The “Watson Murder” rule refers to a situation in which a person with a prior driving under the influence (DUI) conviction, is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and causes another vehicle accident that results in a death. Under these conditions, the suspect can be charged with murder.
On May 11, 2022, Martinez was formally sentenced to thirteen (13) years State Prison behind convictions for voluntary manslaughter, DUI, and hit and run with injury.
FPD personnel dedicated significant resources and time into this investigation in order to provide the Domingo family with a measure of justice and closure. The investigation was led by Traffic Officer Jacob Shannon and supported by the entire Traffic Unit.
Fremont Police Department is committed to providing education and enforcement to drivers throughout the City. We understand that each fatal collision is unique and represents lives lost. We will continue to work tirelessly to prevent these tragedies from happening in the future. We empathize with friends and families of the victims and are hoping that this sentencing would bring some closure to them and to the community.
Incident: DUI Murder Investigation
Time: March 17, 2019
Location: Central Ave, Fremont, CA
Media Contact: Lt. Ricardo Cortes, [email protected]
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