Press release

Joshua Pedro Martinez

ELKHART – A Plymouth man has been arrested for the murder of an Elkhart man.

Around 4:40 a.m. on Sunday, November 3, the Elkhart Police Department responded to a shooting with injuries at 754 CR 3, Elkhart. Upon arrival, officers found Romulo Reyes, 33, of Elkhart, near the front of the property with an apparent gunshot wound.

Despite officers’ efforts to render aid, Reyes was pronounced deceased at the scene. A second victim, identified as Carlos Martinez, 38, of South Bend, was found in the rear of the property, also suffering from gunshot wounds. Martinez was immediately taken to Elkhart General Hospital with life-threatening injuries. In accordance with protocol, the Elkhart County Homicide Unit was contacted and took over the investigation.

On Monday, November 4, a forensic autopsy was performed on Reyes at Western Michigan University Homer Stryker School of Medicine. The cause of death was determined to be homicide.

During the investigation, Joshua Peter Martinez, 24, of Plymouth, was identified as a suspect in Reyes’ death and the shooting of Martinez. On Thursday, November 7, the Elkhart County Homicide Unit arrested Martinez in Wakarusa on charges of murder and attempted murder.

On Friday, November 8, a magistrate found probable cause for Martinez’s arrest for murder and attempted murder. Formal charges are expected to be filed early next week. He will have an initial hearing in Elkhart Circuit Court on Thursday, Nov. 14 and will be held without bond until that time.

At this time, this is an ongoing investigation and no further details will be released. Those with information about this event or who know people who may have additional information are asked to contact the Elkhart County Homicide Unit at (574) 295-2825 or (574) 296-1888.