Relatives Ask for Prayers, Donations to Send Slain Family's Bodies to Mexico

Noe and Rosa Martinez, their children Noe Jr. and Herminia, and grandsons, Alexis and Leonardo. | Family Photo

Relatives of a family found slain in their home on Chicago’s Southwest Side are asking for prayers and donations to send their six family members’ bodies back to Mexico for burial.

• Also on Patch: Slain South Side Family Identified; 2 Children Among the Dead

The bodies of Rosa and Noe Martinez, their son and daughter, Noe Martinez Jr. and Herminia Martinez, along with Herminia’s two young sons, Alexis and Leonardo were found in different rooms of their Gage Park home on Tuesday during a police wellness check.

An officer described the scene as a “bloody mess” where the six family members appeared to have been stabbed to death. A co-worker contacted police after Noe Jr. failed show up to his job cleaning airplanes at O’Hare International Airport.Police believe the bodies had been in the home in the 5700 block of South California Avenue for at least two days. A homicide investigation is ongoing.

Relatives have established a GoFundMe campaign to raise the funds needed to fly their loved ones’ bodies to Mexico for burial.

“This has shocked and left their family, relatives and loved ones speechless and heartbroken as the household was nothing but a loving and gentle family that was always quiet. In the time of need the family asks for help in both prayers and donations to help send the bodies back to Mexico, where they would’ve wished to be buried. The donations given will help send the bodies to Mexico and help with the funerals and burying ceremonies of all six members. God bless everyone, every little bit helps and is appreciated greatly.”

The family ended their plea for donations with a verse from Lamentations 3:31-33: “For no one is cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone.”

Within 18 hours the family had raised $8,630 ”The family wants to raise $11,000 for funeral and burial costs in Mexico. Within 18 hours, $8,630 was received.

As relatives make their way from Texas to Chicago, one of Noe Jr.’s co-workers commented:

“I am devastated at the news of something so horrific. I worked with Noe Jr. at the airport. He was such a kind person. He always stopped me to say hello every time he saw me. His hello’s and his positive upbeat personality will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.”