Ep 22 - Alone in the World: The Devastating Story of Victoria Martens

Albuquerque, New Mexico. August 23, 2016. When Victoria Martens stepped off the school bus that Tuesday, her mother, Michelle, should have been waiting for her. But there was no sign of her, so Victoria made her own way home. It was Victoria's 10th birthday, so she was probably anticipating presents and cake, as any 10 year old would. For Victoria, however, the last year had been pretty terrible. Michelle, while she loved her daughter, wasn't very good at putting her first. She had a way of getting involved with bad people. They exploited Michelle's vulnerability and trusting nature and then they turned to Victoria. Michelle had called social services five separate times that year to report incidents involving her boyfriends.

But on this particular day, Victoria's life turned into a living hell; one she did not make it out of alive. Michelle's new boyfriend, Fabian Gonzales, and his cousin, Jessica Kelley, should never have been allowed in Michelle's home, especially with her kids around. Both Kelley and Gonzalez had been in and out of prison for years. Not to mention they both had a fondness for meth.

What happened to Victoria was pure evil. It's especially devastating how so many calls for help went unanswered. 

The Murder of Victoria Martens (my blog post on this case)

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Sources for this episode:

Report: Suspect in N.M. girl's gruesome slaying should have been under supervision

Documents reveal new details surrounding Victoria Martens' death

Justice for Victoria: Where the case stands now

OPINION | Editorial: False confessions mean we need an outside look at APD's Vigil, Martens homicide investigations

Forensic psychiatrist gives insight into Michelle Martens' false statements

Four years after 10-year-old girl is killed, questions linger

UPDATE: Jessica Kelley accepts plea deal in death of Victoria Martens

CYFD received 5 calls about the Martens family before Victoria was killed

Grandparents open up about Victoria Martens' mom

Bombshell plea deal, murder charges dropped in Victoria Martens' case

A shocker in Victoria Martens case » Albuquerque Journal

Jessica Kelley admits to setting girl on fire after she was killed

The Victoria Martens Case: 'We want to make it right for this little girl'

Details emerge in search for 4th Martens suspect

Prosecutors: 'Gang ties are the reason Victoria Martens was killed'

NM struggles with child neglect, abuse » Albuquerque Journal

Expert: Martens' statements were 'contaminated' » Albuquerque Journal

Suspect on trial in Victoria Martens case asks to be released

Civil suit filed by Victoria Martens' grandparents dismissed

Hundreds gather to remember Victoria Martens at public memorial service

Timeline of investigation » Albuquerque Journal

Birthday memorial held for New Mexico girl who was raped, killed

Fabian Gonzales released from jail

Community remembers life of Victoria Martens

Suspect in Victoria Martens case to be sentenced next month | KOB 4

New report: NM among nation's worst in child abuse, maltreatment - Albuquerque Journal

Music from Purple Planet Music

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