Man gets 2 years for deadly 1997 Rio Hondo shooting after nearly a decade on the run

RIO HONDO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man who was wanted for nearly a decade for his role in a deadly 1997 shooting was sentenced Monday.

Benito Barrera Martinez was apprehended by Border Patrol in May 2023 on an active warrant for murder. On Tuesday, Martinez pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and was sentenced to two years in state jail, with a credit of 710 days time served.

According to a news release from the Cameron County Sheriff's Office, Martinez was located on May 1, 2023 as he was trying to enter the country illegally. After identifying him, officials learned he had an active arrest warrant for murder that was issued in 2014.

The warrant was in connection for the killing of 29-year-old Martin Villarreal, who was found dead on June 30, 1997 off of Nelson Road in rural Rio Hondo.

According to the sheriff's office, Martinez was initially indicted and jailed in 2006 for his role in the murder, but was later released when the case was dismissed.

After new evidence was uncovered, another arrest warrant was issued, but Martinez could not be located.

Investigators said that Martinez "participated in the murder" of Villarreal, and added that it was believed to be drug-related. The indictment accused Martinez of fatally shooting Villarreal.