Murderer Wrote Lyrics Describing the Crime

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen’s Major Crimes Unit obtained convictions against a man who murdered the victim during a robbery and then wrote lyrics about the crime.  Charlie Richard Martinez, 25, was found guilty of First Degree Murder, Especially Aggravated Robbery, and Possession of a Handgun by a Convicted Felon.  Judge Steve Sword imposed a life sentence on the murder count and set the case for sentencing on April 20 for the remaining counts.

In a three-day trial, Assistant District Attorneys Cameron Williams and Jodie Bush explained to the jury that on February 7, 2021, Martinez and co-defendant Kendra Denise Ivey lured the victim to a residence on Kodak Road and planned to rob him.  When the victim arrived, Martinez pulled a .45 caliber handgun and fired at the victim’s head, just missing him.  The victim then tried to take the gun away from Martinez and was shot in the chest.  Martinez also shot himself in the knee during the struggle.  Martinez left the victim in the residence, took the victim’s vehicle, and ultimately fled the state.  After the murder, Martinez wrote multiple sets of lyrics in which he described the shooting, flight, and destruction of evidence.

“This case was solved because of the cooperation of many law enforcement agencies,” said DA Charme Allen.  “Thanks to the hard work of everyone involved, the jury reached a just verdict.”

Life in prison means Martinez must serve fifty-one years before he is eligible for parole.  Especially Aggravated Robbery is a Class A felony that carries a punishment of fifteen to twenty-five years in prison.  Assistant Victim Witness Coordinator Veronica Fay aided in the prosecution of this case.

If you have any questions, please contact Sean McDermott at 865-215-2515 or Sean.McDermott@knoxcounty.org. For more information about the District Attorney’s Office, visit our website at dag.knoxcountytn.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.