Above: Kelvin Keith Emmons | Fontana PD
Fontana, CA- After 30 years, the Fontana Police Department and the La Paz County Sheriff’s Department have finally solved a cold case and arrested a suspect in the murder of Angel Martinez. On June 8, 1988, Martinez was reported missing by his wife to the Cypress Police Department. It was later discovered that he was expected to meet some individuals in Fontana but never arrived. Then on June 20, 1988, his body was found in La Paz County, Arizona. Although an investigation led authorities back to Fontana, the case was not solved, and it remained open from 1988 until 2023.
After multiple investigators worked the case and several rounds of forensic testing, on March 1, 2023, murder charges were filed, and a warrant was issued for the arrest of Kelvin Keith Emmons (63), the prime suspect in Martinez’s murder. Fontana Police Cold Case Detective and DA Investigator then traveled to De Pere, Wisconsin, where Emmons resided. With the assistance of the De Pere Police Department, Emmons was arrested on March 15, 2023, and is now awaiting extradition to San Bernardino County for trial.
Fontana Police Chief Michael Dorsey praised all those who worked tirelessly over the years to solve this case. “This arrest is a testament to our commitment to justice for victims and their families. I want to thank all those who worked on this case over the years for their dedication and hard work,” Dorsey said.
This case serves as an example of how law enforcement never gives up on unsolved cases no matter how long it takes. Justice can still be achieved even after more than three decades have passed since the crime occurred. The Fontana Police Department and the La Paz County Sheriff’s Department are both determined to bring those responsible for heinous crimes to justice, no matter how much time has passed.
