Farmington murder suspect searched ‘Does God forgive murderers' before deadly shooting: Warrant
A woman charged with killing a man in Farmington earlier this year allegedly searched online for the phrase “Does God forgive murderers?” on the morning of the fatal shooting, according to newly released court documents.
According to court documents, that was one of the online searches investigators say Martinez made before the killing.
“That gives us an insight into their mindset,” said Kenneth Gray, a University of New Haven professor.
Authorities said Mercado-Labonte was found dead in a wooded area behind a condominium complex. Police said he had been shot twice, once in the head and once in the shoulder. Neighbors reported hearing two gunshots days earlier.
Investigators said a key fob found in the victim’s pocket led them to his vehicle in a nearby parking lot. Surveillance video allegedly showed two figures near the car before they walked toward Farmington Avenue. Police said the shooting occurred about 30 minutes later.
A motive has not been identified.
According to investigators, Martinez and Mercado-Labonte met at a restaurant and bar in Middletown a few days before the shooting.
Police said surveillance footage and cellphone data played key roles in the investigation.
“We are living in a surveillance society where it’s very difficult because of your electronic footprint to remain hidden,” Gray explained.
Court documents state that Martinez began making phone calls about 18 minutes after the shooting, including calls to two family members. Investigators said her sister later picked her up and described her as being in a good mood.
Authorities said the sister told investigators Martinez “had her handbag with her…” and “it seemed like [Martinez] had a good night.”
Police later recovered a gun from a purse inside Martinez’s vehicle and said it matched the weapon used in the killing.
According to court documents, Martinez denied knowing the victim and declined to be interviewed by investigators. Family members told detectives they did not believe Martinez was capable of committing the crime.
Martinez remains held on a $1 million bond in this case and is scheduled to appear in court later this week.
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