LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK: A man from Port Jefferson Station in Suffolk County, New York, Felix Martinez, was arrested on Tuesday, August 29, for allegedly beating and choking his housemate till he was unconscious.
Martinez allegedly attacked the victim in front of their shared house, stripping the man's clothes and urinating on his unconscious body. Five days later, the victim died of his injuries.
Felix Martinez, 46, has been charged with second-degree murder and second-degree attempted murder, according to Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney.
Who did Felix Martinez murder?
Martinez is accused of murdering Richard Shields, 56, who died due to the brutal attack in front of the house the two men shared.
District Attorney Tierney said, "Richard Shields suffered brutal and deadly injuries after this defendant allegedly attacked him. My office will continue to work hard to ensure appropriate justice as a result. We will not allow individuals to carry out such acts of violence in Suffolk County without facing significant consequences."
According to investigators, Martinez confronted Shields in front of their home on Jarvin Road in Port Jefferson Station shortly after noon on August 4.
Felix Martinez's attack was captured on camera
Investigators obtained footage from a neighbor's home surveillance system, which captured the alleged attack.
According to the video, Shield was sitting in a chair in front of the house when Martinez confronted him.
Martinez allegedly punched, choked, and stomped on Shields repeatedly over the next 15 minutes, before hitting him on the head with a mop bucket.
Investigators claim that near the end of the attack, Martinez stripped Shields naked and urinated on him while he was unconscious on the ground, as reported by Fox News.
How was Felix Martinez arrested?
According to the DA's office, when the Suffolk County Police Department's officers arrived at the scene, they saw Martinez smoking a cigar in front of the house.
Shields lay motionless at Martinez's feet. Martinez was arrested, and Shields was taken to a nearby hospital.
According to the DA's office, Martinez's attack caused the victim's death on August 9. On Tuesday, August 29, the suspect was arraigned in front of Suffolk County Supreme Court Justice John B. Collins on the indictment charges.
What are the charges against Felix Martinez?
Martinez was held without bond, and his next court appearance is scheduled for September 22. If convicted of the most serious charge, he faces a sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
