In a horrifying incident of child abuse, a 10-year-old girl was tragically strangled and dismembered on her birthday, with her remains subsequently set on fire.
Victoria Martens had been sexually abused by her mother, as revealed in an autopsy released months after police responded to a 911 call reporting a domestic dispute. Officers discovered the young girl’s remains partially wrapped in a burning blanket at Michelle’s residence in 2018.
Michelle, aged 35, her boyfriend Fabian Gonzales, 31, and Gonzales’ cousin Jessica Kelley, 31, were arrested and charged with first-degree murder, child abuse resulting in grievous bodily harm or death, kidnapping, tampering with evidence, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Michelle admitted to one count of child abuse resulting in death, initially claiming that Victoria was given alcohol and methamphetamine to sedate her for sexual purposes.
Allegations suggest that Michelle Martens witnessed Gonzales raping and killing her daughter, while Gonzales and Kelley were accused of dismemberment. Gonzales denied involvement, with his attorney stating he played no role in the girl’s death.
Legal proceedings revealed that Michelle Martens searched online for men to assault her daughter, admitting to allowing at least three men to abuse her. The trials of Gonzales and Kelley were postponed to 2022, with Michelle accepting a plea bargain in 2018. Gonzales faced reduced charges and was sentenced to 37-and-a-half years in prison, while Michelle served 12 years before her release in October. Kelley pled guilty to various charges and received a 44-year sentence, likely serving less than half of it.
Authorities have not identified the men involved in the abuse of Victoria. The involved parties’ attorneys either commented on the case or remained silent, while legal actions and sentencing unfolded in the aftermath of this tragic event.