Cold Case Homicide Solved

Sypnosis

In 2010, 22-year-old Yvette Martinez was found deceased in the trunk of her burned vehicle in Monterey County, California. The scene showed clear signs of homicide, but the fire significantly limited usable physical evidence.

With no witnesses and limited forensic leads, the investigation stalled and eventually became a cold case.

Years later, renewed investigative efforts—combined with advances in digital evidence analysis—helped reframe the case. Investigators revisited relationships, timelines, and historical data tied to Martinez’s disappearance.

Our Role

Hawks Consulting supported the investigation through targeted analysis of historical cellular data, helping investigators and prosecutors better understand device activity, movement, and behavioral patterns tied to the case.

Technology Involved

Call Detail Records (CDRs) Analysis

Cellular Location Mapping

Timeline Reconstruction & Data Correlation

Key Findings

The suspect’s device was consistently placed in the same area as the victim during critical periods surrounding the incident

Cellular activity revealed post-incident phone usage inconsistent with the victim’s known behavior, suggesting possible impersonation

Location data and communication patterns directly contradicted the suspect’s stated alibi

Correlated data helped establish a clear timeline of movement and interaction leading up to and following the crime

Outcome

More than a decade after the initial investigation, the suspect was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison—demonstrating the lasting value of properly analyzed digital evidence in cold case investigations.