GRAND JURY INDICTS BRONX TEEN ON MURDER CHARGES

Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced today that the grand jury has indicted 15 year-old Joseph Martinez on murder and other charges for the stabbing death of Delano Ashman, 18. Martinez will be tried as an adult.

Martinez, of 31 West Mosholu Parkway, was charged with 1 count each of Murder in the 2nd degree, Manslaughter in the 1st degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 4th degree. If convicted of the most serious charge Martinez faces a maximum sentence of up to life imprisonment.

The stabbing occurred on the morning of August 8, 2002 following a weeklong disagreement between the defendant and another student outside of John F. Kennedy High School.

Senior Trial Assistant District Attorney Allen P. Karen will be prosecuting this case.