POLK COUNTY, FL — Authorities have arrested a man wanted in connection with the deaths of two people, including a 20-year-old woman reported missing by her mother earlier this month.
Enrique Martinez, 26, was arrested in Winter Haven shortly before 4:30 p.m. Wednesday when deputies spotted him walking on a sidewalk near Eagle Lake, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were searching for Martinez in connection with the death of Sierra Hernandez. Hernandez was reported missing on Jan. 14, but authorities said they believed she was killed days before the report was made.
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The sheriff’s office has not released details on whether Hernandez’s body was found or any connections between her and Martinez.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said Martinez was also wanted for first-degree murder in connection with the November 2023 death of 33-year-old Edil Rodriguez Jr.
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According to authorities, Martinez was living at a homeless camp at 2nd Eloise Terrace in Winter Haven when Rodriguez was killed on Nov. 8. Authorities said the killing took place at the camp.
Martinez had been on the run ever since, authorities said.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Martinez previously spent 5 years in state prison for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and battery domestic violence. He was released in November 2022.
Most recently, Martinez was arrested in April 2023 for battery and resisting arrest charges. He was released on bond, authorities said.
In court Wednesday, a judge ordered Martinez to be held on no bond, WFLA reported. He is facing several charges including first-degree murder, resisting arrest and tampering with physical evidence, police said.
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