In a devastating incident of child abuse, a 10-year-old girl was killed on her birthday by strangulation and then dismembered before her remains were set ablaze.
According to an autopsy released months later, Victoria Martens was sexually abused by her mother. Police responded to a 911 call reporting a domestic dispute and discovered Victoria’s remains partially wrapped in a burning blanket at Michelle’s residence in 2018.
Michelle, aged 35, her boyfriend Fabian Gonzales, 31, and Gonzales’ cousin Jessica Kelley, also 31, were arrested at the scene and charged with serious offenses including first-degree murder, child abuse resulting in death, kidnapping, tampering with evidence, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Michelle admitted to one count of child abuse resulting in death, initially claiming that Victoria was given alcohol and methamphetamine to sedate her for sexual purposes, but later recanting that statement.
Authorities allege that Michelle watched as Fabian Gonzales sexually assaulted and killed her daughter, while Gonzales and Kelley are accused of dismembering Victoria. Gonzales denied any involvement in the crime.
The trials of Gonzales and Kelley were postponed to 2022, while Michelle accepted a plea deal in 2018 for one count of child abuse resulting in death. Gonzales faced reduced charges and was sentenced to 37-and-a-half years in prison. Michelle received a 12-year prison sentence but was released in October. Kelley pleaded guilty to various charges, including reckless child abuse resulting in death, and was sentenced to 44 years in 2022, with the possibility of serving less than half of her term.
