An Española man was sentenced on July 16 to 40 years in prison for a series of armed robberies in 2022 that resulted in one death. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, Ricky Eddie Martinez, Jr., age 35, committed multiple armed robberies beginning on August 9, 2022. He entered the Dandy Burger restaurant in Española, brandished a revolver, and robbed an employee of approximately $160. The next day, Martinez robbed a Shell gas station after displaying a firearm and demanding money from the cashier, taking $352.
On August 11, Martinez robbed a Walgreens store. When the cashier could not open the register, Martinez fired his weapon into a liquor display and wall near the employee before forcibly removing a cash register drawer and fleeing. The employee suffered burns from the close-range gunshot.
Martinez’s actions escalated on August 16 when he entered Blake’s Lotaburger in Española. He demanded money from employees before jumping over the counter and shooting John Doe 2 fatally. He also assaulted John Doe 3 by striking him with his firearm and firing at him; John Doe 3 survived but sustained serious injuries. Martinez fled but was arrested the following day.
Evidence connected Martinez to additional robberies during this week-long period at locations including Chevron gas station in Santa Fe, Emporia Smoke Shop in Española, Chalupp’s Pizza in Taos, Family Dollar, and Dollar General stores. During several incidents, he discharged his firearm.
At the time of these offenses, Martinez was on federal supervised release following an earlier conviction for assault resulting in serious bodily injury; he had absconded from supervision weeks prior to beginning this robbery spree.
Martinez pleaded guilty to three counts of interference with commerce by robbery; one count of attempted interference with commerce by robbery; using, carrying and discharging a firearm during and related to a crime of violence; as well as being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. As part of coordinated state-federal plea negotiations with the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office—following extensive investigation—Martinez also agreed to plead guilty in state court for offenses related to murder and other crimes against John Doe 3.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge at FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced these developments. The case was investigated by FBI’s Santa Fe Resident Agency with support from local police departments including those of Española and Taos as well as New Mexico State Police.