In a tragic incident of child abuse, a 10-year-old girl was strangled and dismembered on her birthday before her remains were set on fire.
Victoria Martens was found to have been sexually abused by her mother, as revealed in an autopsy conducted months after authorities responded to a 911 call reporting a domestic dispute at Michelle’s residence in 2018.
Michelle, aged 35, her boyfriend Fabian Gonzales, 31, and Gonzales’ cousin Jessica Kelley, 31, were arrested and charged with various offenses including first-degree murder and child abuse resulting in death. Michelle confessed to one count of child abuse resulting in death, initially claiming Victoria was given alcohol and drugs to sedate her.
Allegations suggest Michelle watched as Gonzales assaulted and killed her daughter, while Gonzales and Kelley are accused of dismembering the body. Gonzales denied involvement, and his lawyer maintained his innocence.
Michelle’s attorney found the autopsy results beneficial for their defense, while Kelley’s attorney declined to comment. Search warrants indicated Michelle sought individuals online to abuse her daughter.
The trials for Gonzales and Kelley were postponed to 2022, while Michelle accepted a plea deal in 2018. Gonzales was sentenced to 37-and-a-half years in prison, primarily for child abuse resulting in death. Michelle was initially sentenced to 12 years but was released in October.
Kelley pleaded guilty to several charges, receiving a 44-year sentence in 2022 with the possibility of serving less than half the term.