San Diego County Sheriff's Department: Homicide Investigation - Spring Valley

Press release from San Diego County Sheriff's Department:

11/17/2021 5:03 PM

On November 11, 2021, Sheriff's deputies responded to a radio call of an assault at Harness Street and Canyon Road in Spring Valley. When they arrived, they found thirty-nine-year-old Rafael Garcia unconscious and suffering from trauma to the head. Garcia stopped breathing and deputies performed lifesaving measures until relieved by fire department personnel. Garcia was transported to a local area hospital in critical condition. Deputies later learned Garcia was not expected to live.

Due to the likelihood Garcia may die, the Sheriff's Homicide Unit responded and assumed responsibility of the investigation. Detectives continued their investigation and identified thirty-two-year-old Ignacio Martinez as the suspect who punched and kicked Garcia during a fight.

On November 12, 2021, Martinez was arrested outside his Chula Vista home by the San Diego Regional Fugitive Task Force. Martinez was booked into San Diego Central Jail for 243(d) PC – Battery with Serious Bodily Injury.

Unfortunately, Garcia's condition continued to decline and on the evening of November 16, 2021, Garcia was pronounced deceased.

The Medical Examiner's Office conducted the autopsy of Garcia today. The preliminary cause of Garcia's death was blunt force trauma to the head and the manner of his death is homicide. Garcia's family was notified of his condition earlier in the investigation and knows of his death. Garcia is a resident of Spring Valley.

Martinez has remained in custody since his arrest. The Homicide Unit will coordinate with the District Attorney's Office to amend Martinez's charges.

This press release was produced by San Diego County Sheriff's Department. The views expressed here are the author’s own.