Man Accused In Brother's Death: Hearing Slated

VISTA, CA – A man accused of shooting his older brother to death during a fracas at an Escondido bar was slated to appear in court Wednesday for a hearing that will determine whether he will stand trial on charges that include murder and attempted murder.

Manuel Martinez, 32, is accused in the Sept. 22, 2018, shooting at Pounders Sports Pub that took the life of his brother Antonio Martinez, 35. Police allege that the brothers got into a fight with at least one other bar patron, which led to Manuel opening fire and killing his brother, apparently by accident.

Another man involved in the fight was struck by the gunfire and hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

Antonio was fighting with two other men at the pub on West Grand Avenue shortly before 1 a.m., Escondido Police Department Lt. Chris Lick said.

Antonio and Manuel walked out of the tavern, got into a car and sped off recklessly, prompting a patron of the bar to yell at the departing brothers in protest, Lick said.

Hearing the angry shouts, the two siblings doubled back, got out of the vehicle and allegedly began assaulting the man who had chastised them.

"Manuel (Martinez) pointed a firearm at the patron as (his brother) punched and attacked the patron," Lick said.

A bystander soon intervened, grabbing Antonio in an attempt to break up the fight, at which point the younger brother allegedly fired off two rounds.

The wounded men were taken to a hospital, where Antonio was pronounced dead.

"The third-party victim did not know Antonio or Manuel Martinez and does not have any gang ties," Lick said.

When police arrived in response to the gunfire, witnesses identified Manuel Martinez as the alleged shooter, Lick said. Martinez fled but was arrested following a foot chase and a brief struggle with officers.

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