ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The family of Victoria Martens, the 10-year-old who was murdered last week, spoke Monday morning. They called for change to prevent the death of another child.
“We have a lot of work ahead of us. We have a rough road ahead of us,” said Victoria’s godmother, Laura Bobbs.
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Standing arm-in-arm, the Martens family gathered at a local park Monday morning. They had a message for the community, lawmakers and the people who are supposed to be protecting children in New Mexico.
Monday, Victoria’s godmother spoke on behalf of the family. Also gathered at the news conference was Victoria’s grandmother, grandfather and uncle, those are Michelle Martens’ parents and brother.
“I should not be standing here, and this family should not be standing behind me in grief,” said Bobbs.
Victoria Martens was murdered last week in her own home, just a day after she turned 10. Police say her mom, Michelle Martens, Michelle’s boyfriend, Fabian Gonzales and his cousin, Jessica Kelley, are to blame.
Family-friend Laura Bobbs referenced the case of Omaree Varela and said the killings of kids in our community has to stop.
“We have lost so many children in this city by the hands of the parent, boyfriend or another significant relative. And this is so unfair to the children,” said Bobbs.
Bobbs said the Martens family will be demanding legislators tighten the laws for people who hurt or kill children. As Bobbs spoke, Victoria’s grandmother sobbed behind her.
“To try to make these laws a little more stringent. To work with authorities, to try and stop these innocent killings.”
Bobbs ended with a very emotional statement by saying Victoria has moved to her new home, with God, and that Victoria would have wanted to say goodbye, but it was her time to go to heaven.
The family also thanked the community for its outpouring of love and support over the past week.
